Las Casillas: Trails, Festivals and History

Hiking, Running and Cycling

The Cross Pantano del Víboras is a 14.5-kilometre run; the start and finish are in Las Casillas, and the circular route runs around the Víboras Reservoir. The Cross Pantano del Víboras also includes a walking event that follows the same route in the opposite direction. The Las Casillas–Martos stage of the Sierra Sur de Jaén long-distance trail starts in Las Casillas, reaches Castillo de Víboras approximately 2.3 kilometres after the start, and offers a higher-elevation view of the Víboras Reservoir after an ascent of about 500 metres.

The Las Casillas–Fuensanta de Martos cycling route is 35.45 kilometres long, follows a linear course, and starts and ends in the centre of Las Casillas. It follows the path along the Víboras Reservoir and passes the astronomical viewpoint at the Víboras Reservoir. The Martos–Las Casillas–Umbrías Caracolera–Pantano del Víboras cycling route is 40.47 kilometres long and follows a circular course.

Viewpoint and Sierra Caracolera

The Mirador de Las Casillas has two picnic tables, waste bins, a recycling container and bicycle parking. The area around the Mirador de Las Casillas is signposted towards the Víboras Reservoir and has a footpath sign as well as two environmental information panels. The IV Ruta Ancestral in Las Casillas is a guided route through the Sierra Caracolera.

Festivals and Food

The Fiesta del Remate in Las Casillas commemorates the end of the olive harvest; at this festival, participants can try Hoyo aceitunero. At the Fiesta de la Candelaria, typical products such as chorizo, panceta and morcilla, as well as traditional Rosquillas de San Blas, are distributed. The equestrian and flamenco event in Las Casillas includes riding demonstrations, dressage, flamenco and ring tilting; it was held for its third edition.

The Fiestas of the Sagrada Familia in Las Casillas included a festival procession, a religious procession, a brotherhood meal and religious services. The Romería de Las Casillas is held in honour of the Virgen de Fátima. An activity held in Las Casillas led to the remains of the Ibero-Roman settlement of Bora. Another activity held in Las Casillas led to a mill from the late Middle Ages. The activity “El tren del aceite entre las Casillas y Venta de Pantalones” is free and recommended for all age groups.

Historical Sites

The Castillo de la Encomienda de Víboras is located in Las Casillas, next to the Sierra Caracolera, on a rocky promontory above the Víboras River valley. The Castillo de la Encomienda de Víboras played an important defensive role in the Middle Ages and belonged to the Order of Calatrava after the Christian conquest of the area in the 13th century. The Castillo de la Encomienda de Víboras preserves sections of wall, a main tower and a cistern for water storage.

Other places: Iznatoraf, Baeza, Hornos, Virgen De La Cabeza, Villacarrillo, Ribera Baja, Santiago De Calatrava, Begíjar

To the main travel overview: Jaen.