Castillo De Locubín: Nature, History and Culture

Castillo de Locubín: Cabeza Baja de Encina Hermosa is designated as a Bien de Interés Cultural in the category Zona Arqueológica.

Nature

The Nacimiento del Río San Juan is a natural area in the municipality of Castillo de Locubín, where abundant water emerges from inside the mountain. At the Nacimiento del Río San Juan, there are naturally formed crystal-clear pools, small waterfalls and channels.

The recreational area at the Nacimiento del Río San Juan has a picnic area with benches and tables, a small bar, a children's play area and ample parking. The typically Mediterranean vegetation is characterized by holm oaks and kermes oaks; the white poplar is particularly common along the spring and the river.

The Ruta a pie al Nacimiento del Río is lined with olive trees, kermes oaks, holm oaks and other Mediterranean plants. Cabeza Baja de Encina Hermosa features native holm oak vegetation and other Mediterranean scrubland species.

Trails

The Vía Ferrata de Castillo de Locubín begins a few metres from the Nacimiento del Río San Juan and is approximately 700 metres long. It is divided into three zones with vertical and inclined sections, traverses and rock sections.

The Vía Ferrata de Castillo de Locubín is open year-round; no prior experience is required for the high-altitude trekking. The Nacimiento del Río San Juan can be reached via the C-3221, which connects Castillo de Locubín with neighbouring Valdepeñas de Jaén. Cabeza Baja de Encina Hermosa can be reached from Colado Fuente Mateos.

Other destinations on this page: Mancha Real, Arbuniel, Miller, Hinojares, Los Villares, Vites, Solera and Santiago De Calatrava.

History

Cabeza Baja de Encina Hermosa includes the remains of a Roman house, a thermal complex, a cistern and an oil press dating from the beginning of the 1st century. Cabeza Baja de Encina Hermosa was an Iberian oppidum and later a Roman vicus.

The Torre del Marroquín is a well-preserved medieval watchtower, nine metres high and designated as a Bien de Interés Cultural. The Iglesia de San Pedro was built around 1580; its main portal is attributed to Juan de Aranda Salazar.

The Fortaleza de La Villeta is a fortress from the Islamic period; the wall remains of the Alcázar survive and are registered as a Bien de Interés Cultural. The Cueva Jabonero and its surroundings are associated with use during the Copper Age.

Culture

The Casa Museo Antiguo Hospital de la Orden de Calatrava displays antiques related to agriculture, ceramics, traditional crafts, customs and Andalusian traditions. The museum is housed in a restored private 18th-century building in Castillo de Locubín. Visits to the Casa Museo Antiguo Hospital de la Orden de Calatrava must be arranged in advance.

The Centro de Interpretación de Castillo de Locubín focuses on olive-growing cultivation systems. The Fiesta de la Cereza y Vegas del San Juan began in June 1984 and has continued uninterrupted since its founding.

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