Slow & Easy Relaxation at JAEN

JAEN is the largest town as the provincial capital in Andalusia with a Moorish past, famed for its biggest Moorish baths in the whole of Spain; although it seems a little uneventful being centered upon a main plaza and two side streets.

Highlights at Jaen

At the west side of the town plaza is a distinctive 17th century cathedral of Renaissance structure which is open daily and free for all to view. At the north side the artistically restored Hamam of Moorish origins (which is basically a Turkish bath located between Santo Domingo church and the San Andrés church in Baños Arabes), is open to the public without charge on all days but Monday. These baths were part of an 11th century Moorish palace, the Palacio de Villardompardo.

Jaén offers many remarkable 5rh century archeological collections of Iberian sculptures housed in its local museum, the Museo Provincial, which is closed on Mondays and free to citizens of EU.

The tourist center is located on Calle Maestra 13 and offers town maps that are helpful with the train station up north, and the bus station located near the Coca Plaza.

Accommodations in Jaen

There are quite a few choices for places to stay. Budget-friendly accommodations are available at many hotels in Jaen; such as the Hostal Martin on Calle Cuatro Torres, which offers the basic amenities, whereas Hostal La Española on Calle Bernardo Lopez is close to the cathedral.

The upper market options include Hotel Europa near Plaza de Belén. There is the Parador Castillo which is built within a Moorish castle shell on a hillside that overlooks the town, giving an impressive view and making it one of Spain’s best located hotels.

Gastronomy Venues

The section of Calle Nueva which is located east of the town’s main plaza offers many bars and eateries. The up-market Casa Vicente located at Calle Maestre 8, is the town’s best restaurant while the Yucatan Cafeteria makes a good place for a good breakfast serving platos combinados throughout the day, even until late at night.

You can also find some nice places for a night drink or some music. Should sleep elude you, there are many bars at the Barrio de San Ildefonso area which lies at the cathedral’s east side. In particular, there is the friendly Azulejo Bar which offers complimentary tapas for every drink purchased.

Jaen proves to be a quaint little town to unwind and relax with a good and charming atmosphere.