castillo de santa catalina

The Jaen castle is a must for all. After the works performed, is a very interesting place in Andalucia with fantastic views. Please, be sure of the timetable!

About one hour north of Granada, the Castillo de Santa Catalina sits atop a cliff which seems like a single gigantic rock rising just south of Jaen. You can visit the site for free, or you can have lunch, dinner, and a luxurious room in the Paradore which has been constructed, at least party within the walls of this fortified church which date from the time when Moors and Christians contested for this land. The photo I've attached was taken on a day with dence, lowlying clouds which seemed to surround the rocky perch like a sea. We have visited this site many times over the past 25 years. (Our winter home is south of Granada on the coast). Although the view this day was special, you are advised to visit on a clear day when you can literally see for many miles in all directions. Even if you do not stay at the Paradore you can enjoy a good meal and/or a glass of good Spanish wine,

almost 360 degree views from the castillo. as we stayed at the parador it was on our doorstep. the only problem is the poor quality of the walkway leading out to the Cross. with no disabled access. there are about 45 steps each way out to the cross and back. Parking is available. make sure you go on a clear day as if it is cloudy the views would be very poor as you are quite high above the city.

When visiting this hotel the castle visit is a must, very old 11 century castle, it has been rebuild partly for tourism visits.

We toured the Castillo on a cold November morning, so we had the entire place almost to ourselves. It is nicely laid out for a self-guided tour. The interpretative signs included English translations and gave a pretty comprehensive history of the Castillo and Jaen. The views of Jaen and surrounding mountains were spectacular. Admission was reasonably priced too.

Great explanation of where to go by guide, amzing buildings and views of Jaen, great prison cells, a wow tower.

Castillo de Santa Catalina sits on the top of a hill overlooking the city of Jaen. It is close to the parador and a nice walk to the part of the castle that can be toured. The castle began as an 8th century Moorish fortress of which some remains still exist. The current construction is of Christian origin, raised after the conquest of the city by Ferdinand III of Castile, called the Saint, in 1246. In the early 19th century, Napoleonic forces built a gunpowder store, stables, hospital, offices, kitchen, and artillery platform. There is also a small prison. Little beyond the foundations remains of most of these. The views of the surrounding countryside from the ramparts are worth the short uphill walk.On the top of the hill there is a monumental cross that recalls the cross that Ferdinand III had erected there. At the foot of the cross, engraved in the rock, is the "Sonnet to the Cross" by the poet Almendros Aguilar.

The castello is next to the parador and has very good views of the city of Jaen below, especially the cathedral.

Desperately trying not to say educational, it certainly covers the history of Jaen town and province but more as an engaging story. A number of displays (to cool down in the shade) and view points (to overheat!). Well judged video sections to bring the place to life and well spaced vending machines for the cold water before moving on to more culture or a beer in the Parador.It really complements the Parador and puts it all into context 3.5 Euros each; well spent.

Very good views over the Jaen and the surrounding scenery from up here. We stayed at the Parador so it was a fairly easy walk out to the overlook point.

I went to Castillo de Santa Catalina with my family. We walked up to the castle (challenging in the heat) and we encountered many great views over the city of Jaén. We went into the castle and at the entrance gate a guide there told us where we needed to go and answered all our questions. We read about the interesting history of the castle and the city Jaén. There were as well some great exhibitions in the towers. The view over the city from the castle was stunning. I recommend to everyone going there! Great and instructive experience.

Loved Jaen, and thought the Castillo de Santa Cristina was amazing. Well worth a stop in Jaen to see the many things it can offer

really done well with films (in Spanish) and stories explaining everything very well and well worth the 2 euro

Informative and compelling attraction. Well thought through and helpful staff who will speak English. Anyone interested in the history of Andalusia would find this fascinating. Also the French occupation of the fort in the 1800's. Just enough information to capture the imagination without the mandatory shop that exist at most historic attractions these days.Next door is the Parador de Jaen. Great place for lunch, dinner or just a coffee. Great view of the magnificent Cathedral of Jaen and surrounding mountains from here too.

We had a great time visiting this castle, the view of the city is simply amazing, and the castle is beautiful. We took a taxi on the way up and walked back to the city. The walk back was about 45min to an hour but you really enjoy the scenery and fresh air.