Discover Arjona: History, Olive Groves and Festivals

Culture and History

The Santuario de los Santos y de las Sagradas Reliquias was built in Arjona between 1617 and 1619 to house the presumed remains of the martyrs Bonoso and Maximiano, as well as the remains of more than 3,000 early Christian martyrs. The Museo arqueológico de Arjona opened on 22 November 2012 and has a collection of nearly 3,000 objects. These range from fossils to pieces from modern archaeology. In the museum, a chronological tour takes visitors through the prehistoric and historical stages of Arjona’s development.

The Parque del Olivar is located next to the Iglesia del Carmen in the historic town centre of Arjona. It features large artistic elements representing olive groves: trunks with olive leaves, olive clusters, wrought-iron olive trees and a monumental fountain.

Landscape

The landscape of Arjona consists of gentle hills with moderate slopes and is used predominantly for agriculture. Olive groves account for the largest share of the land, followed by cereal fields. Three ecosystems can be distinguished within the municipality: olive groves, stream banks with riverside vegetation, and field margins and boundary strips. The Mirador Casco Antiguo de Arjona is located at a former fortified site and offers views across the entire western Campiña of the province of Jaén.

Festivals and Gastronomy

The Ruta de la Tapa Nazarí takes place every November as part of the Noviembre Cultural organised by Arjona Town Council. During this route, local cafés, bars and restaurants prepare various dishes as individual tapas and compete in several categories. The Fiestasantos take place from 11 to 24 August. On 21 August, the procession of the images and relics of the patron saints is the main event on the programme.

The Veladas Nazaríes take place repeatedly; the 21st edition filled Arjona’s historic centre with history, music and colour. The Veladas Nazaríes include “El Alfarero”, an educational and participatory pottery workshop for all age groups. The programme also includes a medieval souk with craftspeople and a gastronomy area.

Routes and Further Experiences

The Ruta literaria Juan Eslava Galán is one of the established routes in Arjona. It is described as a route lasting 2 hours and 30 minutes and covering a distance of 1 km. During the Ruta literaria Juan Eslava Galán, the guide reads excerpts from the works of Juan Eslava Galán at the monuments and sites visited. The Oficina de Turismo Rey Alhamar offers a wide range of guided tours, hiking routes, musical performances and other activities.

Find more places at Hornos, Prados De Armijo, La Iruela, Miller, Pozo Alcón, Siles, Chilluévar and Villacarrillo.

The 48,000 m² olive mill of the Centro Hípico y de Oleoturismo has been prepared for tourist visits. The Centro Hípico y de Oleoturismo aims to combine the promotion of olive oil culture with an interest in the world of horses.

To the main travel overview: Jaen.