Sabiote: Renaissance, History and Festivals

History and Renaissance

The Castillo de Sabiote began as an emirate-caliphate fortified settlement. After Francisco de los Cobos acquired it, Andrés de Vandelvira transformed it into a Renaissance palace. In the 16th century, following several renovations, Francisco de los Cobos turned the Castillo into one of the most significant fortifications of that century.

Archaeological excavations in the area of the Castillo confirmed the existence of a Copper Age settlement. An Islamic settlement was later established there; its traces include the remains of the walled centre of Hisn Sabiyyuto.

Sabiote is part of the “Andrés de Vandelvira” Renaissance Route. It connects Sabiote with Úbeda, Baeza, Canena and Villacarrillo.

Festivals

Six brotherhoods take part in the Semana Santa processions in Sabiote, with eleven pasos on display. Religious works of art are carried through the streets, and their origins date back to brotherhoods from the mid-16th century.

The San Ginés Feria has been celebrated in honour of San Ginés de la Jara from 22 to 26 August since 1889. As part of the Fiestas de la Virgen de la Estrella, Sabiote holds medieval-style horse races at the San Ginés Football Stadium.

Buildings and Townscape

The Convento de Carmelitas Descalzas was founded in 1584. Its Renaissance cloister was designed in 1586 by Alonso de Vandelvira y Luna.

Construction of the Iglesia de San Pedro began around 1500. Its northern façade displays Flamboyant Gothic features, while the southern façade, the Puerta del Sol, is designed in the Plateresque style.

The church has three naves and a coffered vault above the presbytery.

About two-thirds of Sabiote’s former city wall remain. They include the Puerta de los Santos and the Puerta de Granada.

The Barrio del Albaicín is Sabiote’s old town district, with cobbled streets. The stones are considered to have been worn down by centuries of use.

Culture

Sabiote has traditionally been associated with saddlery, the processing of esparto grass and palm-leaf weaving. Several blacksmiths continue to work there, as does a woodworker who makes altar furnishings. Since the 1980s, a workshop has been producing wool carpets using the Spanish knot.

Landscape

The Fuente de la Corregidora is a natural depression with a waterfall and a nearby cave. The Cañada Real del Paso is a recreational area in the vicinity of Sabiote’s town centre.

The Salto de Olvera is a waterfall on the Guadalimar River where barbel fishing is possible.

Cuisine

Sabiote’s traditional cuisine includes andrajos, ajoharina, papajote and roscos de blanquete. It also includes gachas de los Santos, picatostes, migas and roscas de San Ginés.

Other destinations: Peal De Becerro, Castellar, Solera, Cabra Del Santo Cristo, Navas de San Juan, La Matea, Virgen De La Cabeza, Friar.

To the main travel overview: Jaen.