Fuensanta De Martos: Culture, Nature and Hiking Routes

Culture and History

The Torre del Algarrobo was built in the 13th century and is a fortified watchtower. Since 1985, it has been protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural in the Monument category.

An archaeological site from the Iberian period is also located on the same grounds as the Torre del Algarrobo. Its rectangular base covers approximately 400 square metres.

The Torrevieja is also known as Torrevieja de Cazalla and La Torre. It formed part of the defensive structure of the Order of Calatrava. Since 1985, it has been recognised and protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural.

The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Fuensanta dates back to the 16th century. Its style is a restrained form of the Renaissance.

The present-day design of the Fuente de La Negra was created based on several models. The local residents decided which design to choose in a vote.

The Lavadero dates back to the 17th century. Its strongly social use was maintained until almost the present day.

Festivals and Religious Traditions

The patron saint festivities take place from 23 to 26 September, coinciding with the fig season. Locally, this festival is known as the Feria del Higo.

The Passion performances in Fuensanta had previously fallen into oblivion. They were revived in 1975.

On Maundy Thursday, the Passion performances depict the Passion and death of Jesus Christ. The setting is the place known as El Calvario.

Landscape and Olive-Growing Culture

The Arroyo de la Humbría forms a small gorge beside Fuensanta de Martos. A path along the watercourse begins directly in the town centre.

The Río Víboras flows through Fuensanta de Martos. The area's diverse habitats favour the presence of amphibians and reptiles.

Fuensanta de Martos has a mosaic-like landscape. It includes pastureland, scrubland with hawthorns and wild roses, as well as cherry orchards. This landscape supports a diverse bird population.

The Fuensanta Interpretation Centre is dedicated to the biology of the olive tree and olive varieties. It also covers the by-products of olive cultivation and their uses.

Other Places

Other places include Solera, Jimena, Ermita Nueva, Friar, Santisteban Del Puerto, Ribera Baja, Mancha Real and Navas de San Juan.

Hiking Routes

The “Torres y Picos de Fuensanta” hiking route starts and ends in Fuensanta town centre, at Plaza del Ayuntamiento. From there, it leads to Cerro del Algarrobo, with the old Torre del Algarrobo, and then on to the Torrevieja.

Another circular hike leads to one of the highest points in Fuensanta, the Despeñadero. Along the route, visitors pass various caves and sinkholes.

If you would like to hike along the Umbría River, a hiking route begins in Fuensanta and follows the river to its source.

To the main travel overview: Jaen.