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Jaén
What to Visit in Jaén?
Jaen's dominant feature in the city is the enormous Cathedral built in the 16th and 17th century, mainly designed by Andres Vandelvira. It is open almost every day during the mornings and afternoons, closing during lunchtime hours. It re-opens at 4pm in the winter and 5pm in the summer months.
There is a small museum inside the cathedral which is worthy of a look - it includes a fine arts section and lithographs by Goya. At the larger Museo Provincial of Jaén in the modern part of the city you can see one of Spain’s leading collections of Iberian art from pre-Roman times
The Arab Baths said to be the best example in Europe, and one of Spain's largest Islamic bathhouses, are not easy to find, but well worth the visit. The Baths, which were at one time filled with rubble, were re-discovered and in a lenghty process due to the civil war, not finished and opened to the public until 1984.
On top of the Baths is the Palacio de Villardompardo, a Renaissance Palace which contains the International Naif Art Museum and in the same complex a great museum - Museo de Artes y Costumbres Populares which is devoted to pre-industrial life in Jaen Province.
If you like Museums the Museo Provincial on the main drag - Paseo de la Estación is an archaeological museum with a fine collection of Iberian sculptures.
Not forgetting of course the castle on the hill, between the Parador and the large white monumental cross on the edge of Santa Catalina hill is the castle - part ruin and part interpretation centre.
This was the spot where the Moors surrended Jaen to Fernando III in 1246, after a six-month siege, and later Napolean's troops were based here. An interesting castle/ruin that's well worth a visit and which of course has fantastic views.
See here for a list of Museums in Jaén city and province
Jaen Renaissance Cathedral and Iglesia de la Merced
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