Jaén city, the capital and administrative and industrial centre for the province of Jaén. In the interior, easy to get to by bus from Malaga, via Granada.
Businesses in and around the city include chemical works, tanneries, distilleries, cookie factories, textile factories, as well as agricultural and olive oil processing machinery industry.
Not sounding too interesting or easy on the eye? Think again, it has other things going on, that make it worth a visit. And that’s why cultural tourism is on the rise!
The layout of Jaén is determined by its position on the foothills of the Cerro de Santa Catalina. Steep, narrow streets, in the historic core surround the star of the show. Catedral de Jaén – Santa Iglesia Catedral de la Asunción de la Virgen It’s splendid, inside and out. Impeccably maintained it offers amazing views of not just the town but the surrounding countryside and vast skies.
The timing of my visit
The second weekend in October. Why now? A concert but I got lucky . I got more than I bargained for. Here’s why
Feria de San Lucas 2024 Jaén 【 11 al 20 Octubre 】
Back to the concert. The last date on the Andalucían leg of La Plazuela’s 2024 tour and the end of summer.
Who are La Plazuela? La Plazuela is a musical duo from Granada. The duo, Manuel Hidalgo Sierra, El Indio, and Luis Abril Martín, El Nitro. They formed in 2019, creating music that is a fusion of flamenco, funk, pop, and electronica.
They have not forgotten flamenco’s roots being influenced by artists of the genre’s early period, such as Camarón, Enrique Morente, Pata Negra and Ketama and the music they created.More recently they have been influenced by artists like David de Jacoba and have collaborated with him on the EP, La Caleta, May 2024. And don’t miss their album, Roneo Funk Club released April 23, a great listen.
The venue, Auditorio Municipal De La Alameda situated where else but in the beautiful El parque de la Alameda. Also known as the Alameda de Capuchinos, It’s one of the city’s main parks as well as being the oldest, dating back to 1577.
Jaén & Gastronomy
This city has a whole thing about food going on and so it should. Follow Gastronomía Jaén on Facebook. It’s a page that’s a bit of fun. Spanish humour, mixed with posts to showcase the delicious dishes served up in local restaurants.
Most provinces in Andalucía put their own spin on traditional dishes and Jaén’s no different. As do individual cafeterías. I ordered a tostada tomate, jamon & queso, that’s what I got. But the toast was loaded, it was prepared with the olive oil and tomato but the ham & cheese were served separately and the quality was exceptional. Something so simple but perfect to start your day.
I’m sad to say I can’t remember the name to give mention here but it’s on the street to the right on the cathedral under the arches. And you can expect a warm welcome from the staff and locals a like.
The Highlights
Sometimes the best things are the small things. I went to Jaén for a concert. That was my driver and it was a great night. Would I have gone otherwise? Possibly not. Would I go back? Without a doubt! Already looking to fit a trip in!
Why? The people and the food. Thinking back about my trips around Andalucía and Spain this year and stress none have disappointed, based on the people and the food, this was by far the best.
Everyone I met, young, old and anywhere in between they were polite, respectful & kind. And they wanted to know, was your food good? Could we make it better? Did you enjoy that cold beer? Was the wine to your liking? What brings you to Jaen? Some places to try Bocateria Tiene Miga – outside dining, great food, super pleasant staff. Cerveceria Conde Duque – lunch.
Last but not least Jaen Plameras, Plaza Constitucion,3. Leyenda Alcasar & Rosca de Sobrasada, wow!
What else did I notice? No litter! I actually saw people going out of their way and making an effort to get to the nearest litter bin. I’m a little sad that I mention this, it should be a given that we will all do this but often it’s not the case. People showing some pride in their town and environment. Hats off to them.
Oh & there’s the Street Art
A bed for the night
Getting a room wasn’t easy. I didn’t know the concert coincided with San Lucas and initially gave up hope. But god loves a trier! I let a few weeks pass and resumed my quest, in the hope someone had cancelled. Hey presto, I got a room at the Hotel Europa Hotel Europa en Jaén – Web Oficial. It’s in a central location and does what it says on the tin. It’s clean, modern and practical, in short the equivalent of a Holiday Inn with a pleasant and helpful receptionist.
Feedback & Sharing
Autumn was a great time of year to hit Jaén, I’ll be back probably in the springtime. I hope you’re tempted to go take a a look for yourself and enjoy the hospitality. As ever, happy to receive feedback and please share. Happy travels, even if it’s from you’re arm chair. Hasta luego!