A paved old-town street lined with elegant townhouses and cafés leading to Jaén's Renaissance cathedral tower, with the Santa Catalina hill beyond — explore the Jaén metropolitan area with Andaluciatours.

Comarca · Jaén province

Metropolitana de Jaén

Metropolitana de Jaén combines rich history and lively urban life in the province of Jaén, offering visitors a mix of cultural heritage and modern attractions.

Why visit Metropolitana de Jaén

The Metropolitana de Jaén centres on the provincial capital, which sits at the foot of the Santa Catalina hill with the Sierra Sur rising behind it, and takes in a ring of farming towns spread across the surrounding olive country. The city itself is compact and unpretentious, crowned by a castle and dominated by one of Andalucía’s great Renaissance cathedrals, and its bars keep the tradition of serving a free tapa with every drink. Beyond it, towns such as Martos and Porcuna rise on hills above an ocean of olive trees. It suits travellers who enjoy history, Iberian archaeology and good food at a relaxed, local pace.

Main attractions in Metropolitana de Jaén

Jaén’s cathedral, designed by Andrés de Vandelvira, faces the Plaza de Santa María, and nearby the Palacio de Villardompardo conceals extensive Arab baths, among the best preserved in Spain. The Castillo de Santa Catalina looks over the city, and the Museo Íbero and the Museo de Jaén hold outstanding Iberian sculpture, including finds from Cerrillo Blanco near Porcuna. Porcuna also has its Torre de Boabdil, while Martos is crowned by the rocky Peña de Martos and its castle ruins. The Vía Verde del Aceite runs from the capital through Torredelcampo, Torredonjimeno and Martos, ideal for cycling among olive groves, and the Río Frío near Los Villares is a cool spot for walks. Jaén celebrates the Lumbres de San Antón in January and the Feria de San Lucas in October, with pipirrana and espinacas esparragadas on local menus.