Noalejo between Sierra, Culture and Tradition

Noalejo lies within an elongated municipal area that stretches along the border between the provinces of Jaén and Granada. The A-44, an important transport link between Jaén and Granada, runs through Noalejo.

Landscape and Nature

Navalta and Navalconejo are dehesa valleys surrounded by holm oak and pine forests. In autumn, mushroom foragers visit the area because of the shaggy ink caps found there. At the summit of the Sierra de Alta Coloma is a large sinkhole formed by underground cavities and the collapse of the terrain. La Piedra Granaina is a mountain formation with the rock outcrops of El Porrón and Los Castillejos. Herds of mouflon can be observed on the slopes of La Piedra Granaina. The Sierra de Alta Coloma contains caves with small bat populations. A small population of Montpellier maple grows in the Cañada del Toril; the species is classified as endangered in the Red Book.

The Paraje de Navalcán is a karst depression with rock faces, caves, waterways, and Mediterranean flora and fauna. The Sierra del Trigo is an important mountain pass offering wide panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges.

Routes and Trails

The Ruta del Santo Custodio leads to the Cueva del Santo Custodio, a place closely associated with popular religious devotion in Noalejo. The route offers panoramic views of the surrounding sierras and the landscape of Noalejo, characterized by olive groves. Navalcán–Los Castillejos–Pinturas rupestres is a named hiking route starting in Navalcán. Noalejo–Hoya del Salobral–Noalejo is a signposted mountain biking route.

The C1 Valdepeñas de Jaén–Noalejo–Campillo de Arenas cycling route reaches Noalejo after approximately 5.3 km from Navalcán. The area around Plaza de España is a suitable place on the C1 cycling route to replenish supplies and adjust the route. The municipal mountain refuge on Cerro de la Mesa allows hikers to spend the night.

Culture and History

The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción is a single-nave church with a rectangular floor plan and Mudéjar tradition; it was built between 1570 and 1575. The church houses the painting of Noalejo’s patron saint, the Virgen de Belén. The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción also contains a 16th-century copy of the Turin Shroud.

At the Torre de la Atalaya del Rey Gallarín, the circular floor plan of the medieval watchtower is still visible. Handmade creative ceramics are displayed in the lower rooms of the Mirador de la Puerta Nueva. At La Platera, the bobbin lacework of Gregoria Berjaga is particularly highlighted. The Fuente del Pilarillo, the focal point of the traditional legend, was located on Calle Nava opposite the present-day pillar. The Centro de Interpretación de „La Santería“ explains the life and work of Custodio Pérez Aranda.

The rock paintings are schematic in style; three groups of figures appear to depict a communal dance scene led by a large anthropomorphic figure. The rock paintings date from the Copper Age, approximately the middle of the 3rd millennium BC.

Festivals and Cuisine

The Fiestas Patronales de la Virgen de Belén usually take place over six days on the third weekend of August. As part of the Fiestas Patronales de la Virgen de Belén, the procession of the Virgen de Belén travels for four hours along Calle Real to its hermitage. During the still-celebrated San Antón, bonfires are lit and songs are sung; homemade chorizos and morcillas are grilled over the embers.

Cachorreñas noalejeñas is a hot soup made with water, vinegar, olive oil, garlic, salt, ground pepper and toasted bread. Sausages appreciated in Noalejo include chorizo, butifarra made from pig’s head and seasoned pork liver, as well as onion morcilla. The traditional Olla de San Antón is prepared with various parts of the pig.

Find more destinations here: La Hueta, Prados De Armijo, Pilas de Fuente Soto, Alcalá La Real, Torres De Albánchez, La Guardia de Jaén, Jaén and Baños De La Encina.

For the higher-level travel overview: Jaen.