THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Jaen - 2024 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor
Things to Do in Jaen

Things to Do in Jaen, Spain - Jaen Attractions

Things to Do in Jaen


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Top Attractions in Jaen

These rankings are informed by traveler reviewsā€”we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
Points of Interest & Landmarks
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What travelers are saying

  • MarcusHurley
    Calne, UK10,263 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    If I'd been wandering solo this would have been a ten minute visit but our guide, Patricia, was fabulous so the visit was extended to an hour by learning about the bishop who remained unburied for 500 years, the choir seats and the council being snubbed, the balconies around the outside, the bombing of Jaen in the Spanish Civil War and the face of Christ relic.
    It is an impressive and well maintained building but there is very little in the way of information unless you have an audio guide. It was good to be able to climb to the second level and get a better idea of the scale of the place. It is such a large building with a relatively small square around it that external views were difficult. Built on the site of the city mosque, this iteration of the cathedral started in the 16th century and ended in the 18th century and is now a World Heritage Site.
    Written April 30, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • MarcusHurley
    Calne, UK10,263 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Arab Baths were excavated and restored after a 16th century palace was built over them. These are the largest Arabic baths in Spain and were built over the Roman originals. The restoration is mostly plain brick but there were some areas with the original geometric decoration. There's not a huge amount to see but it's certainly worth a 15 minute visit. The palace courtyard itself is very pretty too and has examples of local cultural dress. As the baths are underground now most of the light wells are actually lights but the effect is the same.
    Written April 30, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • MarcusHurley
    Calne, UK10,263 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We were staying at the Parador, largely as it was so close to the castle. I was intending to walk around the outside early in the morning but it was wet and windy when we got up. Entrance was ā‚¬3.50 and the wind had really picked up so we joined a few other visitors, hats and raincoats sticking to our bodies as we dodged from tower to tower to avoid the driving rain.
    Each tower had exhibitions about the castle and there was an AV presentation, in Spanish. It showed how the Moorish city grew and there were two castles built as the city expanded. The Christians then extended the walls and built additional towers and the French demolished parts of the old castle when they left Spain after the Peninsular War.
    We saw the prisons where the French kept Spanish guerillas before executing them and there was information on Teresa and the politics of the area after Ferdinand III captured it from the Moslems. The weather put us off spending too long outside but the wildflowers in the centre would have been beautiful in the sunlight and the views, even with the cloud, wind and rain were stupendous.
    Written April 30, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ermest S
    Durres, Albania276 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Such an interesting museum for the beautiful city of Jaen!
    Had a small tour inside the museum these days,the place is well located at the city centre and also the entrance is free so its totally worth it!!!
    For me the most amazing part was the paintings.
    So many different colors,views,landscapes,portraits etc.
    Really enjoyed the time here.
    The girl at the reception was very friendly and helpful.
    Written May 11, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Marcela G
    Malaga, Spain162 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A visit is worth it if you want to have amazing views of the Jaen region and you can do it as part of a visit to the Castillo de Santa Catalina
    Written January 9, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mebs
    London, UK243 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jaen, basically a very quite and almost "sleeping town". But what architectural wonders! Narrow, steep cobbled streets; whilst walking up you "huff and you puff", but you just cannot ignore the historical beauty surrounding you. Take some time out...from your busy schedule and carry couple of bottle of water and just walk up and down, up and down this magnificent quarter. It is worth it, but only for those physically able and interested in local architecture.
    Written August 4, 2016
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • LaJarrie
    Southampton, UK490 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A delightful village to explore, with some superb views from the miradors. We didnā€™t get to the cosmolarium, as closed. However the church was well worth a visit - the altar retable was incredible, especially the panel depicting Hornos. Break the bank, and pay the ā‚¬1 for the illumination! There are a number of bars and restaurants (check opening times in low season). We had a superb meal in the Raisa restaurant, which also does rooms! (the croquetas de Rabo de Toro were exceptional) and the meal and wine very well priced.
    Written March 24, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Una B
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Alcaudete is 1hr and 40 minutes from MƔlaga. It's a beautiful authentic Spanish town with really good cafes, restaurants and bars. The scenery is amazing with a beautifully kept castle, churches, parks, and olive groves. The region is most famous for it's delightful olives and olive oil. Get your walking shoes on and explore this town on foot. I found that you will get more for your euros and eating out is very reasonable.
    Written March 26, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Hanna O
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The church of San Ildefonso is located in the center of Jaen and was built in 1248. It is much smaller than the Cathedral of Jaen but has its own charm. It is located in a small square, which can be seen in the photo. My flat was a minute's walk from the church and I really enjoyed spending my free time in the square. During the day you could sit in the sun and have a coffee and in the evening there was always something going on. I like this place particularly well, because one can sit down in good weather in one of the bars outside and has a great view of the church. Through the many orange trees and the palm trees you have a real vacation feeling. Also the service was very nice and you always felt comfortable. So far, this place is my highlight of Jaen, because it is a place with charm where you can feel good.
    Written March 14, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • MarcusHurley
    Calne, UK10,263 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    After the Arab baths and a quick look at the central courtyard of the palace we walked to the Church of Mary Magdalene to see the original Moorish ablutions bath there as the church was built on the site of the mosque and retained some Moorish colonnades too. The tower was originally the minaret but not sure if it is possible to climb it. The church is the oldest in the city and when we visited there was a mannequin (not sure of that's the right word) that is carried around the town during Holy Week.
    Written April 30, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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