Martos: Culture, Olive Oil and the Former Railway Line

Martos is designated as a historic-artistic heritage ensemble (BIC).

The Real Iglesia Parroquial de Santa Marta is the oldest church in Martos. After the Christian reconquest of the city, it was built in the 13th century by King Ferdinand III. The church combines Late Gothic or Isabelline features with Renaissance alterations. Its bell tower has a spiral staircase.

You can discover further destinations through this selection: Torres De Albánchez, Huelma, Alcalá La Real, Mengibar, Cárcheles, Jaén, Sabariego and Villanueva Del Arzobispo.

Culture

The former Cárcel y Cabildo was built in the 16th century by the architect and sculptor Francisco del Castillo. It is an example of Andalusian Mannerism.

The Fuente Nueva and the former Cárcel y Cabildo display outstanding features of Andalusian Mannerist architecture. At the same time, both show innovative features of this architectural style.

The Torre del Homenaje of the Castillo de la Villa has been converted into an interpretation centre. The climb to the tower offers panoramic views over the city.

A religious and artistic manifestation recognised as being of national tourist interest leads through the winding streets of Martos’s old town.

The museum collection in Martos covers archaeology, natural sciences and technology.

The historical points of reference thus encompass religious buildings, fortress architecture, urban history and the museum collection. At the church, the construction in the 13th century and the later Renaissance alterations have been documented, while the former Cárcel y Cabildo is attributed to the 16th century and Andalusian Mannerism. The Torre del Homenaje belongs to the Castillo de la Villa and has been converted into an interpretation centre.

The streets of the old town are also part of the recognised religious and artistic manifestation. The museum collection expands the range of the cultural sites mentioned with three areas: archaeology, natural sciences and technology. In Martos, named buildings, a historic urban structure and various collection areas exist side by side.

Landscape

From the summit of La Peña, at an altitude of 1,003 m, there are extensive views over the surrounding area.

The former railway line of the Tren del Aceite has been developed for hikers and cyclists. It crosses metal viaducts built in the Eiffel tradition.

A 128 km-long ecotourism route between Jaén and Puente Genil follows the former railway line.

Martos has a bus station with connections to the Consorcio de Transportes Metropolitano de Jaén. There are also connections to national bus routes.

The landscape facts combine a viewpoint on La Peña with a former railway line and its metal viaducts. The ecotourism route mentioned extends for 128 km between Jaén and Puente Genil. The town’s transport links include the bus station, connections to the Consorcio de Transportes Metropolitano de Jaén and national bus routes.

Culinary Experiences

Cortijo El Madroño offers an olive oil tourism experience with a visit to the former oil mill. There, you can gain insights into traditional and modern olive oil production methods.

Cortijo El Madroño houses an oil mill museum and a specialist library. It also contains historical documents on the development of traditional oil extraction, as well as centuries-old machinery.

During a visit to a cooperative, you can tour the facilities, learn about the production of Tuccioliva EVOOs and take part in a guided tasting.

Regarding olive oil, the stations mentioned range from the former oil mill, museum, specialist library, historical documents and centuries-old machinery to the cooperative. There, the information relates to the facilities, the production of Tuccioliva EVOOs and a guided tasting.

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