The city of Jaén is located in the province of Jaen in South - Central Andalucia and is known as the World Capitol of Olive Oil due to the fact it is the largest producer of liquid gold(as the locals call it). The city has steep, narrow streets, in the historical center.and is overlooked by the imposing Santa Catalina’s hill, with the striking Saint Catalina’s castle nestled serenely on its peak. The castle can be seen from every part of this beautiful city and the current Christian construction dates from around 1246, however there is evidence of the previous Arabic fortress known as Abrehui’s castle on the site.

As you walk around this beautiful city you will find a huge selection of historic and cultural buildings and monuments in Spain including one of the most important Renaissance style cathedrals in Spain dating from 1570 .Located in the Plaza Santa Maria the Cathedral is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin and was built to shelter the Relic of The Holy Face, or Veil Of Veronica. This impressive Religious artifact can be viewed by the public every Friday and can be found in the major chapel. This is one of the finest examples of Andalucian Renaissance architecture. It is open from 8.30am (museum 10am)-1pm and 4.30pm-7pm; summer 8.30am (museum 10am)-1pm and 5pm-8pm

In the Plaza de Santa Luisa de Marillac you will find the largest remaining Arab Baths in Spain. They were discovered under the Palace of the Count of Villardompardo in 1913 and since then a magnificent restoration has brought back to life the near architectural perfection of this stunning building. There are guided tours of the baths, one of the largest and best conserved in Spain, every 30 minutes. COST: Free (bring ID or passport). OPEN: Tues.-Fri. 9-8, weekends 9:30-2:30

Other notable buildings include the Jabalquinto Palace and the Real Monasterio de Santa Clara.

There are a good selection of museums in the city including the MUSEO DE JAEN (Jaen museum) which is dedicated to Archaeology and The Arts. In the city you will also find the MUSEO INTERNACIONAL DE ARTE NAIF (Naif Art museum), and the MUSEO DE ARTES Y COSTUMBRES POPULARES (Museum of Popular Customs & art). This is just a small selection of the fine Museums in the city.

Eating out in Jaén is a enjoyable experience and you can find many fine restaurants within the city, Not surprisingly, much of Jaen’s local gastronomy uses olive oil in more generous proportions than most of the rest of Spain. The local dish, ajilimoje, is made with olive oil, vinager, potatoe and red pepper and is delicious, spread on thick chunks of freshly-made bread. Another local dish is pipirrana, salads made from ingredients chopped very finely - a bit like un-puréed gazpacho).

Restaurants in the City Include

Casa Antonio, Exquisite Andalusian food is served at this sober and elegant restaurant with three small dining rooms — all with cherrywood-panel walls, dark plywood floors, and a few modern art paintings on display located at Fermín Palma 3, Jaén.

Casa Vicente.popular with the locals you will find family-run restaurant around the corner from the cathedral square in Francisco Martín Mora 1.If however you fancy a light meal and a beer should try one og the numerous tapas bars found in the city suchas

Meson Rio Chico and Bar Nuevo, both in the pedestrian street, Calle Nueva;

El Gorrión near the Cathedral;

El Pilar del Arrabalejo in c/Millán de Priego.

Staying in the city there are many good hotels catering for all budgets such as

Budget Hotels And Hostels

Pension Renfe : Located in the Plaza Jaén por la Paz this hostel offers basic rooms from approx 29€ a night

3 Star Hotels

Hotel Husa Europa Jaén : Located at Plaza de Belen, 1 this pleasent holtel offers rooms from 32€ onwards

Hotel Xauen : Located in the Plaza de Deán Mazas, 3, this hotel offers rooms from 40€ and for pet owners this hotel accepts dogs (Check with Hotel For Details)

4 Star Hotels +

Parador of Jaen :Probably the finest hotel in The City located in the Castillo de Santa Catalina this impresive hotel offers all the facilities you would expect from a high quality hotel such as a swimming pool, elevator, restaurant and conferance hall to name but a fe

Hotel Infanta Cristina : This nice hotel is located on the Avenida Madrid and offers rooms from 70€

To sum up the City of Jaén is a wonderful city to visit if you fancy a holiday away from the hustle and bustle of the costal resorts of Andalucia. You will also find it is a great base to visit this stunning area of Spain