Mancha Real: Protected Areas, History and Festivals

Nature and Trails

Mancha Real is home to two areas designated as Sites of Community Importance, which together cover approximately 7.5 percent of the municipality; one of them is Peña del Águila. Peña del Águila can be reached from Mancha Real via a track leading directly to Pico Almadén. The route is 3 kilometres long and suitable for a car or an off-road vehicle. Recently restored access routes and paths at Peña del Águila make it possible to follow a circular route with panoramic views over many parts of the province. In the Morrón communal forest, there is a reforested pine forest on limestone with karst formations; the maximum elevation there is 1,540 metres.

Find more places here: Mengibar, La Guardia de Jaén, Vilches, Castellar, Fuensanta De Martos, Martos, Villanueva Del Arzobispo and Iznatoraf.

Routes through the Natural Area

The Mancha Real–Cumbre de Almadén–Torres route begins in Mancha Real. Its first ten kilometres lie outside Sierra Mágina Natural Park, while the remainder runs through the protected natural area. The Pegalajar–Mancha Real–Torres–Albanchez de Mágina–Jimena–Garcíez–Bedmar road route passes through the centre of Mancha Real.

Festivals and Local Traditions

A falla has been set alight at the San José festivals since 1983. The festivities take place during the week containing Saint Joseph’s name day on 19 March, as well as on the nearest weekend. The Mancha Real falla is a sculptural ensemble made up of a central figure and additional figures, along with a scene referencing current public figures and local issues. Since 2000, the Fallas de San José have held the status of a festival of regional tourist interest.

Churches and History

The Iglesia de San Juan Evangelista was declared a cultural heritage monument on 4 May 1983. It has a basilica-style floor plan with three naves and a straight-ended chancel. The southern portal of the Iglesia de San Juan Evangelista is attributed to Andrés de Vandelvira. On 12 October 1586, San Juan de la Cruz founded the monastery of the Discalced Carmelites in Mancha Real. The Convento de los Carmelitas Descalzos is accessed through a portal flanked by pilasters and featuring a round arch.

The Monidura is an orally transmitted tradition in Mancha Real that has continued from the 16th century to the present day. The Castillo de Ríez is incorporated into the present-day Cortijo de Ríez and lies beside the former road between Jaén and Baeza. The Castillo de Ríez was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest. Plaza de la Constitución is located in the historic centre of Mancha Real and serves as a central civic and meeting place; it features shade-providing trees, benches and a traditional bandstand. The Iglesia de la Santa Cruz is a Renaissance church in Mancha Real and is recommended as a worthwhile stop on the regional tour.

Nature Observation and Regional Cuisine

Cueva de los Murciélagos is known for a large bat colony; prehistoric rock paintings were discovered inside it. The “Almazara + Gastronomic” experience combines a guided visit to an olive mill, an olive oil tasting and a menu featuring typical regional dishes.

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