Arroyo del Ojanco: Roman Heritage, Natural Monument and Trails

The Olivo de Fuentebuena is a natural monument designated by the Junta de Andalucía and a landmark of Arroyo del Ojanco. The olive tree reaches a height of 10 metres, and its trunk has a circumference of more than four metres. From the town centre, it can be reached via the local road JV-7.005 towards Beas de Segura; after the Prados de Armijo junction, the olive tree is approximately 50 metres from the road.

Natural Areas and Trails

Arroyo del Ojanco lies in the Guadalimar floodplain on a broad plain. The Guadalmena and Guadalimar rivers cross the municipality. Along the Guadalimar, the floodplain landscape, flat topography and water-rich surroundings shape the scenery in the orographic area of the Sierra de Segura. The N-322 passes through the built-up area of Arroyo del Ojanco.

The Vía Verde de Segura runs through the municipality and, owing to its gradual gradient, is suitable for pedestrians and cyclists, with no steep climbs or difficult-to-access sections. Shortly before Arroyo del Ojanco, the Vía Verde de Segura crosses the Guadalimar. The section near Arroyo del Ojanco runs through several Sites of Community Importance (SCIs) and overlaps with the Parque Natural de las Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y las Villas. The section of the Camino Natural Vía Verde del Renacimiento near Arroyo del Ojanco can be reached via the N-322; its starting point is approximately two kilometres from the town. The Sendero Olivo Milenario Fuentebuena Arroyo del Ojanco begins in the town centre at the junction of Calle Carretera and the JA-9114.

Other places: Andújar, Begíjar, Siles, El Parralejo, Prados De Armijo, Úbeda, Campillo De Arenas and Navas de San Juan.

Roman Heritage and Architectural Culture

The Villa Romana de Los Baños was a late-imperial Roman villa used for agriculture, with exceptional mosaics. The archaeological site is currently covered with a layer of earth following emergency excavations.

The Centro de Interpretación de la Cultura Romana is a visitor attraction dedicated to interpreting the Roman heritage of Arroyo del Ojanco. Reproductions, information panels, projections and a replica of an archaeological excavation are used for this purpose. The Centro de Interpretación Cultura Romana has two rooms and a central courtyard. The outdoor area serves as a venue for performances. A prior appointment is required to visit the Centro de Interpretación de la Cultura Romana.

The Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción dates from the early 20th century, was restored in the mid-1950s and has a ceramic altarpiece on its façade. Its entrance has a pointed arch framed with exposed brick; above it are three openings with round arches. The bell tower is divided into two structures: the first contains the clock, while the second contains the belfry, surrounded by a frame and topped with a hipped roof.

Festivals, Crafts and Cuisine

The Fiestas del Toro Ensogado, held in honour of San Marcos, take place from 22 to 25 April. The San Marcos celebrations are preceded on the first Sunday in April by a traditional pilgrimage organised by the Hermandad de San Marcos. Los Cristos are local jota dances, sung in unison with the accompaniment of guitar, lute, bandurria and violin.

Bolos serranos is practised in Arroyo del Ojanco as a traditional outdoor game and sport from March to November. Local crafts include esparto grass and woodwork, as well as textiles and handmade items. The pastoral culinary tradition of Arroyo del Ojanco includes tortas de pastor, andrajos, galianos and Easter hornazos. The local cuisine includes Segureño lamb served as chops, in stews and as legs.

To the higher-level travel overview: Jaen.