Palacio de Villardompardo, Jaén

Baths and Historic Building in Jaén

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Ángel M. Felicísimo

The Palacio de Villardompardo, also known as the Palace of the Counts of Villardompardo, stands in the heart of Jaén as one of the best places to see in Jaén for travellers interested in architecture and layered history. Built in the 16th century for Don Fernando de Torres y Portugal, the First Count of Villardompardo and Viceroy of Peru, the palace blends elegant Renaissance style with deep historic roots. Beneath its foundations lie the 11th-century Baños Árabes, one of the largest and best-preserved Islamic bathhouses in Spain, rediscovered in the early 20th century after being hidden for centuries.

Wandering through the palace today reveals a blend of Roman ruins, Islamic engineering, and Renaissance architecture, all wrapped into one cultural complex. Its museums, vaulted spaces, and restored halls make it one of the top attractions in Jaén and a rewarding stop for anyone wanting to understand the city's multicultural heritage.

History and Significance of Palacio de Villardompardo
Things to See and Do in Palacio de Villardompardo
How to Get to Palacio de Villardompardo
Practical Tips on Visiting Palacio de Villardompardo
Where to Stay close to Palacio de Villardompardo
Is Palacio de Villardompardo Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Palacio de Villardompardo
Nearby Attractions to Palacio de Villardompardo

History and Significance of Palacio de Villardompardo

The palace was constructed in the late 16th century by Don Fernando de Torres y Portugal in a refined Renaissance style suited to his status as the Count of Villardompardo and Viceroy of Peru. It was built directly over the city’s Moorish baths, effectively burying the 11th-century structure beneath new foundations. Over time, the palace passed through many hands and purposes: it became a women’s hospice in the 18th century, later forming part of the Provincial Charity.

In the early 20th century, the hidden Baños Árabes were rediscovered-an extraordinary find that revealed one of Spain’s largest surviving Islamic-era bathhouses. The baths were restored between 1970 and 1984, and the entire complex was transformed into the Villardompardo Palace Cultural Center.

Today, the site also preserves part of an excavated Roman street, highlighting how multiple eras of Iberian history overlap within the same building.

Things to See and Do in Palacio de Villardompardo

The Baños Árabes are the crown jewel of the palace. Built in 1002, the baths include four rooms: two cold rooms, a warm room, and a hot room. The warm room is especially striking, with horseshoe arches and softly filtered light that evokes its Andalusi origins. A short subtitled film provides context for the baths’ evolution from Islamic spa to tannery after the Reconquista.

Above the baths, visitors can explore the Renaissance palace rooms and the cultural centre's museums. The Museum of Popular Arts and Customs showcases local traditions, rural tools, crafts, and aspects of daily life in Jaén Province-from olive oil production to horse carts to matanza rituals.

In the left wing, the Jaén International Museum of Naïve Art displays colourful, imaginative works from Spain and abroad, representing one of the most important naïve art collections in Europe. Together, these museums make the palace a highlight of cultural life in Jaén.

How to Get to Palacio de Villardompardo

The palace sits in the historic centre of Jaén. The nearest gateway airport is Federico García Lorca Granada Airport, with convenient connections to the region. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Jaén on Booking.com.

Regular train services link Jaén with Madrid, Córdoba, and other Andalusian cities, and from the station visitors can take a short bus or taxi ride to the old town. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

Driving is straightforward, and although streets near the palace are narrow, several public car parks are located within a short walk. If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting Palacio de Villardompardo

Suggested tips: Start with the baths, then explore the museums upstairs for the full chronological experience.
Best time to visit: Mid-morning or late afternoon for quieter galleries.
Entrance fee: Free Entrance
Opening hours: 9am-10pm Tue-Sat, to 3pm Sun
Official website: http://www.bañosarabesjaen.es/
How long to spend: 1-2 hours depending on interest in the museums.
Accessibility: Some areas have steps; the baths may be difficult for limited mobility.
Facilities: Toilets, information desks, and museum amenities available.
Photography tip: Capture the light streaming through the star-shaped bathhouse skylights.
Guided tours: Occasional tours are offered; inquire at the cultural centre.
Nearby food options: Numerous cafés and tapas bars are scattered throughout the historic centre.

Where to Stay close to Palacio de Villardompardo

If you want to stay within walking distance of the palace and other major landmarks, consider Hotel Xauen with its convenient central location. For a historic atmosphere, Palacio de Mengíbar offers Renaissance charm near Jaén. Another solid option is Hotel Europa, perfect for travellers wanting comfortable access to the whole city.

Is Palacio de Villardompardo Worth Visiting?

Yes. The palace is one of the must-see places in Jaén thanks to its rare combination of Roman, Islamic, and Renaissance history housed within a single complex. Whether you're interested in architecture, local traditions, or unusual museums, the Palacio de Villardompardo offers a rewarding and immersive experience.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (6,780)

Baños Árabes Cultural Center, Villardompardo Palace at Pl. Sta. Luisa de Marillac in Jaén houses columned, vaulted remains of ancient Arab baths within a Renaissance building; visitors say entry is free, the site includes ethnographic and art/antiquities exhibitions, an audiovisual introduction (in Spanish) that helps orient visitors, a rooftop viewpoint with commanding views over the city and region, and staff who make the largely accessible space welcoming to wheelchair users.

Colin Atkins

2 months ago

"Free entry to this extremely interesting place, where you could easily spend a couple of hours exploring not only the baths but the art andantiquities exhibitions and the roof top terrace with commanding views of the city. Be sure to begin with the audio visual introduction which is very well done. It is in Spanish but the video makes things very clear. Recommended!..."

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Marcela Galeano

2 years ago

"Highly recommended! Not only you get to see the 50sqm of the Arabs Baths build in S.XI but also a very rich ethnographic collection. And if thatwasn't enough you can go to the top floor and enjoy the amazing views of the Jaen region and all of that completely free as there are not fees to enter in the Cultural Center...."

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ronald lefur

6 months ago

"Beautiful baths to visit.entry is free.also other exhibitions within building"

FAQs for Visiting Palacio de Villardompardo

Its combination of Moorish baths, Renaissance architecture, and multiple museums in one site.

Yes, they are among the largest surviving Islamic bathhouses in Spain and have been carefully restored.

Around one to two hours depending on interest.

Yes-the museums and baths appeal to visitors of all ages.

Nearby Attractions to Palacio de Villardompardo

Catedral de la Asunción - Jaén's iconic Renaissance cathedral.
Castillo de Santa Catalina - Hilltop fortress with sweeping views.
Baños Árabes de Jaén - The preserved bath complex beneath the palace itself.
Museo Provincial de Jaén - Archaeology and Iberian art exhibits.
Plaza de Santa María - A scenic square ideal for strolling or enjoying a café.

The Palacio de Villardompardo appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Jaén!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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