Jaén – the olive oil capital
Overview
The city Jaén is in south-central Spain and it gets its name from the Arabic word Jayyan meaning crossroads of caravans. In the year 2006 its population was about 120,000. Jaén is considered as the World Capital of Olive oil because this liquid gold – olive oil is produced in large quantities in this city. The industries in this city are – chemical works, distilleries, tanneries, textiles and cookie factories.
This city is associated with a legend of a large lizard – El Lagarto de Jaen – and there is a belief that this lizard eats children as tapas while drinking cellars of wine.
Climate
The maximum and minimum average temperatures in this city are 35 °C in July-August and 13 °C in January.
Art and culture
The following museums are popular in this city:
1.Jaén Provincial Museum Jaén – has Iberian art collections, Sculptures from Cerrillo Blanco and funerary treasures.
2.Manuel Morán International Museum of Naïve Art Jaén – contains works of Spanish and foreign artists.
3.Museum of Art and Popular Traditions Jaén – exhibits items such as farm tools, ceramics, furniture, clothing, etc.
The following monuments are worth visiting in this city:
1.Palacio de Villardompardo – Villardompardo Palace Jaén – is a palace where there are 10th century Arab baths hidden; these baths were called the Ali baths.
2.Jaén Cathedral Jaén – is a cathedral built in the 15th century and dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin.
3.Castillo de Santa Catalina – Santa Catalina Castle Jaén – is a castle standing on Santa Catalina hill.
The following are some of the Natural reserves in this city:
1.Despeñaperros Natural Park – is located in Brown mountain range and is formed naturally by the river between the Andalusia and Castilian plateau.
2.Sierra Mágina natural park – is a part of the Subbetic mountain range.
3.Sierras de Andújar Natural Park – is located in the heart of the Sierra Morena Mountains.
4.Sierras de Cazorla – Segura y Las Villas Natural Park – is the largest protected park in Europe and it is home for 24 endangered species.
The following local dishes are popular in this city:
1.Pipirrana – made from breadcrumbs, green peppers, tomato, garlic shoots, vinegar, olive oil, salt and hard-boiled egg.
2.Spinach a la Jaén – made from spiced sausage, orange zest croutons, garlic, egg, bayleaf and vinegar.
3.Rice pudding.
Sports and Entertainment
Football is a popular sports practiced in this city. In addition trekking, climbing, Chess and athletics are also followed. International Piano Competition Premio Jaén started in 1953 is the oldest and most important piano competition in Spain. In addition, Ciclos de Rock and the Lagarto Rock Festival are some of the festivals tourists can enjoy.
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