Tíscar: Nature, Rock Art and Mountain Landscapes

In Tíscar, the Cueva del Agua de Tíscar is designated as a mixed-type natural monument; the designation was made in 2019 by Decree 456/2019 of 23 April.

Other destinations: Cazorla, Santiago De Calatrava, Villacarrillo, Beas De Segura, Alcalá La Real, La Guardia de Jaén, Castillo De Locubín and Ribera Alta.

Nature

The limestone grotto was eroded by the Tíscar River into a deep gorge with drops of up to 20 metres, cascades and springs; these converge at the Pilón Azul near the hamlet of Belerda.

From the A-6206, the Cueva del Agua can be reached via a paved access road about 300 metres from the Santuario; stairs and a low tunnel then lead to the cave.

The winding mountain road A-6206 connects Quesada with Pozo Alcón and Hinojares; its highest point is the Puerto de Tíscar.

The Puerto de Tíscar offers expansive views over the landscape and mountain ranges, including the Rayal and Caballo peaks; it is also possible to watch Spanish ibex and birds of prey in flight there.

Culture

The historic corridor between Quesada and Tíscar features preserved rock paintings and medieval fortifications along its route; Tíscar is an outstanding site in this corridor, where human presence has been documented since prehistoric times.

The Abrigos del Arroyo de Tiscar are a cultural heritage site featuring rock art, with links to the Bronze Age and Copper Age.

The Castillo de Tíscar is a fortress dating from the Arab period; its earliest mentions date back to 876, and in 1949 it was declared a Bien de Interés Cultural.

The Torre del Homenaje and the Patio de armas survive from the Castillo de Tíscar; access is via two narrow paths.

The current building of the Santuario de la Virgen de Tíscar dates from the mid-20th century and preserves older architectural elements, including a pointed-arch portal and 14th-century tilework from Granada.

For many believers, the Santuario de la Virgen de Tíscar is a place of pilgrimage.

At the Santuario de Tíscar, an atrium leads into the church; there is also a sacristy and small terracotta figures of the Virgin and the Evangelists.

Celebrations in honour of the Virgen de Tíscar include the summer festivities from 23 to 29 August, as well as a Romería on the first Saturday in May, when the image of the Virgin is taken to Quesada after returning to the Santuario de Tíscar during the summer celebrations.

Walks

The entrance to Tíscar passes through a tunnel beneath a building and leads to a small square with several fountains.

The medieval Atalaya del Infante Don Enrique can be reached from the designated car parks at the Puerto de Tíscar after a short walk and serves as a viewpoint.

The cycling route Ruta en bici Santuario de Tíscar – Collado Zamora begins at the Santuario de Tíscar.

The hiking route Ruta de senderismo La Presilla is signposted with direction arrows.

Stage 12 of the GR-247 reaches Tíscar at kilometre 15.6 and then continues to Belerda.

To the overarching travel overview: Jaen.