Castles Among the Olive Groves
Description
ROUTE FROM ANDÚJAR TO TORREDELCAMPO
EVERYDAY LIFE IN A UNIQUE FOREST
The almost endless, genuine landscape of the olive groves of Jaén is the world connecting this route, which starts in Andújar and continues down through Arjonilla, Arjona, Villardompardo and Torredonjimeno, ending in Torredelcampo.
The various fortifications that make up this itinerary are enriched by a much broader story that shapes the territory: aspects of everyday life on the frontier, the olive forest, and the cuisine closely tied to olives and olive oil. It's worth noting, as an added charm to the route, that a stretch passing through the towns of Torredonjimeno and Torredelcampo coincides with the path of the Vía Verde del Aceite. In Torredelcampo, the Castillo de El Berrueco played a key role — due to its strategic position atop a hill, it was one of the main strongholds controlling access to Jaén, forming part of a vast network of towers and watchtowers.
Similarly, the historic centre of Andújar is dotted with remains of walls and towers from the old fortifications that once encircled the original city, evolving from the earliest Roman fortified structure. Following the conquest by Ferdinand III the Saint, it became a strategic stronghold of the new Christian territory, from which the assault and conquest of the Upper Guadalquivir were organised.
Is part of
Rutómetro
Cistern of Arjona Castle
Arjona
BIRTHPLACE OF MUHAMMAD IBN NASR
Arjona was the birthplace, in 1194, of Muhammad ibn Nasr, founder of the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada and driving force behind the construction of the Alhambra. The town was defended by a solid walled enclosure over two kilometres long, encircling the settlement and crowned at its highest point by an alcazaba, located on what is now the Plaza de Santa María.
Next to the church, built on the site of the old aljama mosque, an extraordinary cistern survives, possibly of Almohad origin, with columns from the Roman period, which can be visited alongside the church. Part of the wall and an adjoining tower have allowed for the creation of a small interpretation space dedicated to the walls of Arjona.
Castle of the Troubadour Macías
Arjonilla
THE PRISON WHERE THE LOVER SANG HIS SORROW
A striking setting with a compelling story — that of the love affair of the Troubadour Macías, which inspired works by such renowned authors as Lope de Vega's "Porfiar hasta morir" and Mariano José Larra's "El doncel de Don Enrique el Doliente."
Although the castle's current structure and layout are Christian, it may have had Almohad origins, and it was likely expanded and reorganised between the late 13th and early 14th centuries, particularly once Arjonilla came under the domain of the Order of Calatrava. It takes the form of a walled enclosure, with a notable square-plan tower standing 17 metres tall. Today, cultural activities are held in its parade ground.
Villardompardo Castle
Villardompardo
THE CASTLE OF PEDRO AZNAR PARDO
Built between the 13th and 14th centuries, the castle is notable for its large Keep. In 1461, the wedding of Miguel Lucas de Iranzo, Constable of Castile in Jaén, and Teresa de Torres, lady of the estate, was celebrated at this castle, an event that brought prestige to both the town and the castle.
The castle was granted privileges by Henry IV and the Catholic Monarchs, and in 1558 Philip II created the County of Villardompardo, after which the building was renovated to become the palace-residence of the Counts of Villardompardo. Notable features of the building include its monumental doorway and the cistern occupying the ground floor of the tower. Also worth mentioning is the Jewish presence, as its Jewish quarter is one of the few still preserved in the province of Jaén.
Torredonjimeno Castle
Torredonjimeno
THE CASTLE AND THE VISIGOTHIC TREASURE
It originated as a small Islamic hamlet, which may have been fortified during the Almohad period, later evolving after the Christian conquest and its integration into the lordship of the Order of Calatrava, when a solid castle of irregular masonry was built. It eventually shifted from a military fortress to a residential castle in the second half of the 15th century.
During a visit to the castle, you can see an 18th-century olive oil mill, the Torredonjimeno Visigothic Treasure Interpretation Centre, and the permanent fossil exhibition "Testigos de vida" ("Witnesses of Life"), as well as the remains of a 15th-century Casa Señorial or Casa Maestral (notable for its 15th-century Mudéjar-style coffered ceiling and its late-18th-century garden).
