The gateway to Andalusia. Jaen

This is a strategic region between the Castilian plateau and the Guadalquivir Valley, where the province of Jaén shows remains of Iberian Cyclopean walls (in Ibros or Torredelcampo).

However, most of the imposing fortresses owe their existence to the Moors, and their consolidation or rebuilding to the Christians.

The Caliphs of Córdoba built the castle at Baños de la Encina in the 10th century, in order to control the road through Despeñaperros. The castle of Santa Catalina in Jaén is likewise Moorish (it was the King Ferdinand´s residence while he was conquering this land in the mid-13th century), as are those of Segura de la Sierra, Cazorla and La Iruela, whose settings alone make them seem quite impregnable.

The large, fortified 15th-century tower at Porcuna (Gothic-Mudejar) is Christian. It was built by the Master of Calatrava. Boabdil was imprisoned there and it served as headquarters for Castaños before the decisive battle of Bailen. There is different scenery in the castles of Canena and Sabiote, where architect Vandelvira worked on orders from Francisco de los Cobos, secretary to Charles V.

In Canena and Sabiote, we can still behold his magnificent Renaissance courtyard. The remains of the citadel at Siles include a large fortified tower and a granary.