Set amid vast olive groves,  Jaén is certainly one of southern Spain’s most attractive cities. Apart from its olive oil production, known by locals as liquid gold, it is known for incredible fortresses, and beautiful architecture, majestic cathedrals and lush parks.

The layout of the city is determined by its position relative to the the hills of the Santa Catalina mountains, which causes it to have with steep, narrow streets. Guadalquivir River that flows through Jaen makes it a fertile belt rich in natural vegetation. The natural beauty of this place is enhanced by the presence of two majestic mountains namely Cazorla and Segura that bring sufficient rainfall to this place.

The name is most likely derived from the Roman name Villa Gaiena or Villa of Gaius. During the time of Al-Andalus it was called Jayyān.

Jaén is somewhat overshadowed by the beauty of nearby Úbeda and Baeza, and is often passed over by visitors to the province. But once you make it into town you will discover a charming, if mildly dilapidated, historic center with hidden neighborhoods, excellent tapas bars and a spectacular cathedral.

The city is the administrative and industrial center for the province and include chemical works, tanneries, distilleries, cookie factories, textile factories, as well as agricultural and olive oil processing machinery industry.

Visiting Jaén for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Jaén on the first visit. Top help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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This complete guide to Jaén not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Jaén and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

Catedral de la Asunción

Jaén 16th century Renaissance-style Cathedral’s official name is the Catedral de la Asunción or  Assumption of the Virgin Cathedral and it is located in the center of Jaén, region of Andalusia, Spain. The cathedral size means it still dwarfs the rest of the city, which can be seen from the hilltop eyrie of Cerro de […]

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Location: Catedral de Jaén Plaza Sta. María, s/n 23002 Jaén Spain | Hours: 10am-2pm & 4-7pm Mon-Fri, to 5.30pm Sat, 10-11.30am & 4-5.30pm Sun | Price: Adult incl audio guide €5, child/senior €1.50/2 | Website | Distance: 0.00km

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Visiting Catedral de la Asunción

Palacio del Condestable Iranzo

The Palacio del Condestable Iranzo or the palace of the Constable Iranzo  is a much altered 15th-century Mudejar- style palace  located in the city of Jaén, Spain. The building was originally built in the 15th century in a Mudéjar style from Toledo. In the courtyard, on one floor below the street, there is a gallery […]

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Location: Palacio Del Condestable Iranzo Calle Maestra, 16 23002 Jaén Spain | Hours: 9am-2pm & 5-9pm Mon-Fri, 11am-2pm Sat | Price: Free | Distance: 0.20km

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Visiting Palacio del Condestable Iranzo

Arco de San Lorenzo

The Arco de San Lorenzo or Arch of San Lorenzo is an historic medieval arch spanning an old-city street located in Jaen in Andalucia. It is located at the crossroads of the streets Almendros Aguilar and Madre de Dios or Mother of God. It forms part of the former Church of San Lorenzo, which was […]

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Location: San Lorenzo's Arch Calle Almendros Aguilar, s/n 23002 Jaén Spain | Hours: 24 Hour | Price: Free | Distance: 0.30km

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Visiting Arco de San Lorenzo

Palacio de Villardompardo

The Palacio de Villardompardo or Palace of the Counts of Villardompardo, is a 16th century Palace in the city of Jaén, Andalucia in Spain. The palace was the location of 11th-century Baños Árabes or Moorish baths. The palace was built in the by Fernando Torres in a  Renaissance style for First Count of Villardompardo and Viceroy of […]

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Location: Centro Cultural Palacio de Villardompardo Plaza Sta. Luisa de Marillac, s/n 23004 Jaén Spain | Hours: 9am-10pm Tue-Sat, to 3pm Sun | Price: Free Entrance | Website | Distance: 0.80km

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Visiting Palacio de Villardompardo

Castillo de Santa Catalina

Castillo de Santa Catalina or Saint Catherine’s Castle sits on the top of the Cerro de Santa Catalina hill overlooking the city of Jaén in Andalucia, Spain. It is now the site of a parador hotel. There are five towers and a keep, with one of the towers holding the Chapel of Saint Catalina.  At […]

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Location: Castillo de Santa Catalina Cerro Calle Sta. Catalina, s/n 23003 Jaén Spain | Hours: 10am-6pm Mon-Sat, to 3pm Sun | Price: adult/reduced €3.50/1.50, 3-6pm Wed free | Distance: 0.90km

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Visiting Castillo de Santa Catalina

Museo Íbero

The Museo Íbero or Iberian Museum is a museum located in the city of Jaén, Spain. The museum is home to the largest collection of Iberian art in the world, including several existing collections in the Jaén Museum and other collections. The new building is located on the Paseo de la Estación , in the place occupied […]

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Location: International Museum of Art Íbero Paseo de la Estación, 41 23008 Jaén Spain | Hours: 9am-9pm Tue-Sat, to 3pm Sun Sep-Jun, to 3pm Tue-Sun Jul & Aug | Price: EU citizens/non-citizens free/€1.50 | Website | Distance: 1.20km

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Visiting Museo Íbero