Pegalajar: Sierra Mágina, Orchards and Cultural Heritage

Nature

The protected Sierra Mágina Natural Park extends into the municipality of Pegalajar and covers approximately 719 hectares there. The self-guided, well-signposted Sendero de la Serrezuela is an approximately seven-kilometre circular route that can be started in the centre of Pegalajar or at the Siete Pilillas recreational area. The route features information panels about the flora, fauna and geology of the Sierra. The Sendero del Hoyo de la Sierra passes through Mediterranean vegetation; griffon vultures, eagle owls and Iberian ibex can be observed along the route. The Serrezuela de Pegalajar is a Mediterranean mountain with Aleppo pines from reforestation, naturally regenerating holm oaks and aromatic plants such as rosemary, lavender and thyme.

The Sendero de la Huerta de Pegalajar is a circular route of just under 2.5 kilometres that begins at La Charca and leads through the Huerta de Pegalajar. La Charca is a reservoir that has collected the water from the Fuente de la Reja spring since the Middle Ages. The Huerta de Pegalajar covers approximately 200 hectares, lies south of the town and is laid out on terraces as a traditional irrigated agricultural area. The Sistemas de charcal-huerta de Pegalajar dates back to the Muslim medieval period and combines water storage, irrigation and traditional gardens on masonry terraces.

Trails and Activities

The Peña de los Buitres crag is used for traditional climbing and long routes; bouldering is also practised on nearby limestone boulders. Siete Pilillas is a recreational area two kilometres from Pegalajar where the Club Parapente Pegalajar is active; access is via the road towards Mancha Real. In addition to free flying, the Club Parapente Pegalajar offers training programmes and organises events.

Cultural Heritage

The Huerta de Pegalajar is registered as a Site of Ethnological Interest in the General Catalogue of Andalusian Historical Heritage. The Sistemas de charcal-huerta de Pegalajar system is classified as a Site of Ethnological Interest and included in the General Catalogue of Andalusian Historical Heritage. The Iglesia de Santa Cruz was built by the architect Alonso Barba in the final decades of the 16th century and at the beginning of the 17th century. Its two portals are Mannerist in design, while the tower of the former fortress was used for the bell tower.

The Arco de la Encarnación is a pointed arch with three coats of arms and an inscription and formed part of the enclosure of the Castillo de la Peñuela. The Torre de la Cabeza is a cylindrical masonry watchtower that was used for surveillance and communication. It belonged to a series of towers extending from north to south through the province. The Torre de la Cabeza is believed to have been built by Miguel Lucas de Iranzo between 1462 and 1470.

The Centro de Interpretación de la Caminería de La Cerradura in Pegalajar (Jaén) displays an extensive collection of landmarks used by travellers on Spain’s roads, complemented by panels on the history of the roads and the development of transport links in the region. The Festival de Arte Flamenco de Pegalajar has been organised by the Peña Flamenca de Pegalajar since 1969.

Olive Oil

Finca Ecológica la Casona de Puerto Alto offers an olive oil tasting during which the organoleptic properties and composition of a good extra virgin olive oil are explained. The Aceites-Melgarejo experience ends with an olive oil tasting accompanied by Melgarejo products and local appetisers.

Other Places

Other town pages: Cazalilla, Villanueva Del Arzobispo, La Carrasca, Las Escuelas, Prados De Armijo, Begíjar, Jaén, Jódar.

Getting There

By road, Pegalajar can be reached from the A-44 via exit 50, followed by approximately four kilometres on the JA-3241.

For the overview of higher-level travel destinations: Jaen.