This is a strategic region between the Castilian plateau and the Guadalquivir valley, where the province of Jaén shows remains of Iberian Cyclopean walls (Ibros or Torredelcampo), but where most of the imposing fortresses owe their existence to the Moors, and their consolidation or rebuilding to the Christians. The Caliphs of Cordova built the castle at Baños de la Encina in the 10th c. in order to control the road through Despeñaperros.
The castle of Santa Catalina in Jaén is likewise Moorish (it was the saintly King Ferdinand's residence while he was conquering this land halfway through the 13th c.), and so are those of Segura de la Sierra, Cazorla and La Iruela whose settings alone make them seem quite impregnable.
The large fortified 15th c. tower at Porcuna (Gothic-Mudéjar) is Christian; it was built by the Master of Calatrava, Boabdil was imprisoned there and it served as headquarters for Castaños before the decisive battle of Bailén.
There is different scenery in the castles of Canena and Sabiote in both of which the architect Vandelvira worked on orders from Francisco de los Cobos, secretary to Charles V; in Canena we can still behold the magnificent Renaissance courtyard. From the citadel at Siles there is a large fortified tower and a granary.
Baños de la Encina is home to the impressive 10th-century castle built by the Caliphs of Cordova. This castle, known as Castillo de Burgalimar, was strategically placed to control the road through Despeñaperros, a crucial pass between the Castilian plateau and Andalusia. The castle is one of the best-preserved examples of Moorish military architecture in Spain, with its robust walls and 14 towers standing as a testament to its historical importance.
Baños de la Encina is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including the Sierra Morena mountains and the Rumblar Reservoir.
Ibros is known for its ancient Iberian Cyclopean walls, which are a testament to the village's long history. These walls, constructed with massive stone blocks, are among the oldest structures in the region and provide a glimpse into the early defensive strategies of the Iberian people. The walls are part of the archaeological site of Cerro de los Vientos, which also includes remnants from the Roman and medieval periods.
Canena is home to a magnificent Renaissance castle, designed by the renowned architect Andrés de Vandelvira on orders from Francisco de los Cobos, secretary to Charles V. The castle, known as Castillo de Canena, is a stunning example of Renaissance military architecture and has been declared a Cultural Heritage Site. The castle's Renaissance courtyard, with its elegant arches and columns, is particularly noteworthy and reflects the architectural brilliance of Vandelvira.
Sabiote is another village where the renowned architect Andrés de Vandelvira left his mark. The castle here, known as Castillo de Sabiote, was commissioned by Francisco de los Cobos, secretary to Charles V, and features impressive Renaissance architecture. The castle's design reflects the transition from medieval fortresses to Renaissance palaces, with its elegant courtyards and decorative elements.
Segura de la Sierra is known for its Moorish castle, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The castle, known as Castillo de Segura de la Sierra, was built during the 12th century and played a crucial role as a defensive site during the period of the frontier between the Christian and Moorish kingdoms. Its strategic location atop a hill provided a vantage point to monitor and control the surrounding area, making it a formidable stronghold.
The village of Segura de la Sierra itself is a charming place with narrow streets and traditional Andalusian architecture. Visitors can explore the historic town centre, which features whitewashed houses and beautiful plazas. The Church of Nuestra Señora del Collado, a notable example of Gothic-Mudéjar architecture, is also worth a visit.
Siles is home to a large fortified tower and a granary, remnants of its historical significance. The fortified tower, known as Torre del Cubo, dates back to the medieval period and served as a key defensive structure during the frontier conflicts between the Christian and Moorish kingdoms. The granary, located within the tower, highlights the village's historical role in storing and protecting essential supplies.
The village of Siles itself is a charming place with narrow streets and traditional Andalusian architecture. Visitors can explore the historic town centre, which features whitewashed houses and beautiful plazas. The Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, a notable example of Gothic-Mudéjar architecture, is also worth a visit.
Porcuna is known for its large fortified 15th-century tower, built by the Master of Calatrava. This Gothic-Mudéjar tower, known as Torre de Boabdil, served as a prison for Boabdil, the last Nasrid king of Granada, and as headquarters for General Castaños before the decisive battle of Bailén. The tower's robust structure and historical significance make it a prominent landmark in the region.
The village of Porcuna itself is a charming place with narrow streets and traditional Andalusian architecture. Visitors can explore the historic town centre, which features whitewashed houses and beautiful plazas. The Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, a notable example of Gothic-Renaissance architecture, is also worth a visit.
Torredelcampo is home to ancient Iberian Cyclopean walls, located at the archaeological site of Cerro Miguelico. These walls, constructed with massive stone blocks, are a testament to the village's long history and provide a glimpse into the early defensive strategies of the Iberian people. The site also includes remnants from the Ibero-Roman and Muslim periods, highlighting the village's strategic importance throughout history.
The village of Torredelcampo itself is a charming place with narrow streets and traditional Andalusian architecture. Visitors can explore the historic town centre, which features whitewashed houses and beautiful plazas. The Church of San Bartolomé, a notable example of Gothic-Mudéjar architecture, is also worth a visit.
Jaén is home to the castle of Santa Catalina, a Moorish fortress that served as the residence of King Ferdinand during his conquest of the region in the 13th century. The castle, known as Castillo de Santa Catalina, offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding countryside. The fortress was originally built by the Moors in the 9th century and later expanded by the Christians after the Reconquista. The castle's strategic location atop a hill provided a vantage point to monitor and control the surrounding area, making it a key defensive site.
The village of Jaén itself is a charming place with narrow streets and traditional Andalusian architecture. Visitors can explore the historic town centre, which features whitewashed houses and beautiful plazas. The Jaén Cathedral, a stunning example of Renaissance architecture, is also worth a visit. The cathedral's impressive façade and interior make it one of the most important religious buildings in Andalusia.
Additionally, the Arab Baths, located in the Villardompardo Palace, offer a glimpse into the region's Moorish past and are among the best-preserved examples of Islamic architecture in Spain.
Jódar is known for its historical castle, which played a significant role during the period of the frontier between the Christian and Moorish kingdoms. The castle, known as Castillo de Jódar, dates back to the 9th century and was originally built by the Moors. Its strategic location on a hilltop provided a vantage point to monitor and control the surrounding area, making it a key defensive site. The castle was later expanded and fortified by the Christians after the Reconquista.
Cazorla is home to a Moorish castle that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The castle, known as Castillo de la Yedra, dates back to the 13th century and played a crucial role as a defensive site during the period of the frontier between the Christian and Moorish kingdoms. Its strategic location atop a hill provided a vantage point to monitor and control the surrounding area, making it a formidable stronghold.
La Iruela is known for its impressive castle, which is perched on a rocky outcrop and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The castle, known as Castillo de La Iruela, dates back to the 13th century and played a crucial role as a defensive site during the period of the frontier between the Christian and Moorish kingdoms. Its strategic location provided a vantage point to monitor and control the surrounding area, making it a formidable stronghold.
In addition to the castle, La Iruela is home to the Church of Santo Domingo, which is located near the castle and adds to the village's historical charm. The church, built in the 16th century, is a notable example of Gothic architecture and features a beautiful bell tower.
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