Routes of Los Olivares in Jaén
The Los Olivares refers to the countryside in the province of Jaén famous for their olive oil production , the economic base of this region.
We start our journey in the ancient city of Jaén, standing tall amongst the surrounding olive groves. This is an important area with a wealth of artistic, historic, cultural and monumental heritage. Here there are many sights to enjoy, the Santa Catalina castle, the Villardompardo palace with the Arabic baths, the largest during the times of Spanish Muslim rule, the impressive renaissance cathedral, the churches of La Magdalena, San Bartolomé and San Ildefonso as well as the Santa Clara and La Fuente de Los Caños monasteries.

From the N323 motorway we arrive at Bailen , an area famous for its battle during the independence wars. In the urban areas you can visit the impressive La Encartación gothic church. Before you head for Linares, take time for a detour via Torre del Campo with its city wall and Visigoth Necrópolis ( burial tomb). In Linares you can visit the Santa Maria church, constructed on an ancient Roman building, the San Juan de Dios convent, the Zambrana palace and the interesting archaeological museum. In the surrounding areas there are many ruins left from the ancient roman town of Cástulo.

From here we continue on the A316 motorway until you arrive at Baeza and Úbeda , the Andalusia renaissance towns in Alto Guadalquivir. Baeza is one of the most important towns in the area with a wealth of historically important monuments such as the Pópulo square where you'll find stately lion fountains , the Arco de Villalar, the "door" to Jaén, the Plateresca del Pópulo house and the town hall and ancient renaissance style prison. In the Santa Maria square you'll find the impressive cathedral, the renaissance houses of Consistorials Altas with the Juana la Loca and Felipe el Hermoso coats of arms, as well as the lovely Jabalquinto palace. There are also numerous stately homes throughout the town to view. A large percentage of Úbeda is famous for its historic monumental value, such as the lovely Parador del turismo hotel - Deán Ortega Palace, the gothic renaissance church of Santa Maria de los Reales Alcázares, the Salvador church cemetery , the renaissance hospital Santiago and the gothic- isabelina San Pablo church.

You end you picturesque journey in the locality of Torreperogil, where you'll find the historic gothic - renaissance church Santa Maria la Mayor and ancient fortress towers left from a previous historical era in Spain.