Solera: Castillo, Church Architecture and Festivals

The Castillo de Solera comprises two construction phases. The upper area contains a small walled enclosure and a cistern. The cistern contains remains of a pointed-arch vault. Further down are the remains of a larger castle complex with masonry towers and enclosing walls.

The two areas can therefore be clearly distinguished from each other: Above, the walled enclosure and the cistern mark the smaller section, while below, the towers and enclosing walls belong to the larger complex.

Culture

From the Castillo de Solera, the view extends across the vega, where the Jandulilla and the Gargantón converge.

The church of Solera dates from the 16th century. Its portal is designed as a round arch and lies in front of a flight of steps. Three oculi arranged in a row crown the portal.

The church interior has a barrel vault with lunettes and transverse arches. It includes several chapels; a choir is located at the rear. A staircase separates the high altar from the rest of the church. There is also a 17th-century baptismal font.

The exterior and interior display different forms: The portal is defined by the flight of steps and the oculi; inside the church, the vault is followed by the chapels, the rear choir, the raised high altar and the baptismal font.

Landscape and Routes

The Mirador Era de las Tres Cruces can be reached on foot and by bicycle. From the Mirador Era de las Tres Cruces, there is a view of Solera, its white houses and its medieval castle.

The C6 is an approximately 50 km-long circular route through the Jandulilla Valley. It runs from Bélmez de la Moraleda via Cabra del Santo Cristo to Solera. Along this circular route, olive-covered slopes, pine forests and limestone formations alternate.

The sequence of towns along the circular route connects three stops in the Jandulilla Valley. The alternation of olive-covered slopes, pine forests and limestone formations describes the landscape as a succession of different types of terrain.

The JA-4203 road is designated “Acceso a Estación de Cabra por Solera”. It runs from the A-401 to the JA-5200.

Other destinations that you can access via this page’s location selector include Andújar, Peñolite, Cazalilla, Pontones, Miller, Martos, Los Villares and La Iruela.

Festivals

In Solera, the traditional Fiestas in honour of San Isidro Labrador take place in May. San Isidro Labrador is the patron saint of farmers and a symbol of the town’s work, humility and faith.

The Fiesta de San Isidro takes place in mid-May. It goes back to a popular festival organised by farmers for the feast day of their patron saint. It includes the preparation of a huge paella for everyone present and for visitors.

The Fiesta del Emigrante takes place in mid-August. It is dedicated to people who emigrated and return to the village in August. In the evenings, there are verbenas, and the streets are decorated for a decoration competition.

To the higher-level travel overview: Jaen.