The Cathedral

Construction began in the 16th century and its primary purpose was to guard the relic of Santo Rostro. Many architects directed the construction but the result was surprisingly homogenic. The renaissance architect Andrés de Vandelvira had a large influence over the construction and designed the two towers that gave the cathedral its typical appearance. The façade has a couple of balconies on which they show the relic of Santo Rostro every Friday. It was also a model for many cathedrals in South America.

Castillo de Santa Catalina

Built by Fernando III in 1246, after the city was conquered by the Christians. It served as a defense for the city and its territory, including the olive plantations. The castle was built and improved during 4 centuries and was finished in the 19th century. A tradition of this castle is that on the day of Santa Catalina (25 November) the people from Jaén walk up to the castle and fry sardines which they eat together.

Palacio de Villardompardo

In the present we find here two museums and remains of ancient Arab baths of the 11th century. These baths were used by the Arabs but after the reconquest in 1246 the Christians didn’t use the baths extensively and they were abandoned at the end of the 14th century. In this century construction of the palace also began and was finished at the end of the 16th century. It was built over the old baths, causing the destruction of one part and another part was covered. In the 18th century the palaca was used as a hospice for women. This hospice was extended with a chapel in the beginning of the 20th century. In 1913 Emilio Romero de Torres discovered part of the old Arab baths and ordered the excavation. The baths were cleaned and reconstructed where necessary, but the Civil War caused a break in reconstruction and restauration was finally complete in 1984.

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• Monuments of Jaén
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