Puente de Génave: Guadalimar, Bridges and La Vicaría Olive Mill

The Guadalimar runs through Puente de Génave and forms several small waterfalls, including one in the town itself. The Puente Viejo crosses the river and is considered a Roman bridge: the stone bridge has a single, gently arched span. Another chapter of the town’s history is represented by the Puente Nuevo. It was completed in 1889 as part of the road between Jaén and Albacete. The two crossings therefore showcase different architectural forms and historical associations, while the Guadalimar shapes both the town centre and the riverside promenade.

Culture

On the railing of the staircase from the Puente Nuevo to the Guadalimar riverside promenade is Trasiego Histórico, an installation made of perforated iron panels about the history of the people who have passed through Puente de Génave. It was created by José Fernández Ríos and connects the crossing over the river with an artistic perspective on the town’s history. Its location on the staircase also places the work along the route between the bridge and the promenade.

Since 2002, the Puente de Génave Open-Air Museum has included a sculpture course with a competition. The winning sculpture is installed in the town. One of these works is the Escultura Niños Saltando by José Rios. It depicts children jumping into the river in the area of the Puente Viejo.

The parish church of Puente de Génave was built in the late 19th century as a single-nave, whitewashed building with a small square tower. Another historic site is the La Vicaría Olive Mill, built by the Parra family in 1910. The former olive mill preserves an olive-milling machine dating from the early 20th century, which visitors can view.

The Sala de Exposición Santiago Ydáñez is also located in the former La Vicaría Olive Mill. Tourists can visit the building. When it opened, the Sala hosted an exhibition of works by local painter Santiago Ydáñez. The former mill building thus brings together its historic use, preserved machinery and an exhibition venue.

Festivals and Guided Tours

The Fiestas del Emigrante take place on the penultimate weekend of August. They provide an opportunity to reunite with family members and friends who live outside their home town. The programme includes summer dances as well as a water-pole competition in the Guadalimar. The date therefore links August with a festival whose stated purpose is to bring together relatives and friends living outside the town.

The Feria Ecoliva has been held in Puente de Génave every two to three years since 1997. Its focus is on promoting and building networks around organic olive cultivation. In summer, the municipality offers free guided tours from the town hall from Monday to Friday, with prior reservation. These tours therefore require both the summer period and a reservation made before the date of the tour.

Nature

The PR-A 187 linear hiking trail is part of the Sierra de Segura trail network. It connects Puente de Génave with the Collado de la Piedra de la Alega. The trail is therefore described as a connection between the town and a named destination within this trail network.

Discover more destinations here: Úbeda, Chilluévar, Cazalilla, Alcalá La Real, Las Casillas, Santa Elena, Aldeaquemada, Mengibar

For the higher-level travel overview: Jaen.