JAEN Information: JAEN
ANCIENT |
Walks through the Capital - Jaen - Part 1
The Castle of Santa Catalina, perched on an impressive hill, has determined
the history of the city of Jaen. The capital has grown around this
Arab fortress, and on its lower slopes, the first neighbourhoods such
as la Magdalena, San Juan and La Merced were comfortably accommodated.
The castle, peacefully handed over to King Ferdinand III in 1246,
stands out for the severity of the tower of homage and the irregular
distribution of its patio of arms, today converted into a cultural
auditorium. A complicated trail leads to the vantage point of the
cross, from where one of the most beautiful and renowned images of
the city can be seen. The Parador of Jaen was constructed by the side
of the castle, and imitates the architectural style of a fortress.
The neighbourhood of La Magdalena is the oldest in Jaen. Its narrow,
winding streets seem to merge together in the square where the church
consecrated to Maria Magdalena stands. Its Andalusi patio is still
located opposite the hustle and bustle of la Magdalena, which, since
the Roman era supplied water to the city, through a complex network
of canalisation.
This system is the origin of the legend of the fain Lizard. Close
to this square is the Ancient Hospital of San Juan de Dios, the most
important cultural and social centre of the capital. Continuing along
the street of San Domingo, where the Provincial Historical Archives
are erected, one arrives at the Palace of Villardompardo, which houses
the Museum of Art and Popular Customs, the International Museum of
Naive Art and, in its basements, we find the Arab Baths. This Arab
complex is unique in Spain. Its interior is arranged around the cold,
warm and hQt chambers. The restoration of this National Monument Won
the Europa Nostra prize in 1984.
Other religious buildings of the old quarter are the church of San
Juan, the church of Saint Bartolome and the convent of Santa Clara.
The Arch of San Lorenzo establishes the division between the neighbourhoods
of San Juan and La Merced. The Plaza of Santa Maria can be accessed
by Calle Maestre (street). Facing the Bishopric and the Town Hall
stands the Cathedral, the most distinguished monument in the capital
of Jaen. This unique piece of Andalusian Renaissance art was constructed
between the 15th and 18th Centuries upon the original Arab mosque.
Andres de Vandelvira participated in its construction and the Chapter
House, the Sacristy, the original projects for the facade and the
two bell towers are all his work.
The interior of the cathedral is a sheer display of exquisite beauty.
The columns sustain carved capitals, vaults and domes chiselled with
historical motifs. Seventeen chapels are distributed all around the
cathedral, amongst which stand out the Buena Muerta (the Good Death)
and Nuestro Padre Jesus (our Father Jesus), popularly known as El
Abuelo (the Grandfather). The choir is carved in fine woods. Its chairs
illustrate biblical passages. The Cathedral Museum is found beneath
the Chapter House floor and contains an illustrious collection of
paintings and religious images.
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