Baños de la Encina

Baños de la Encina is located at the foot of the Sierra Morena mountains, about 52 kilometres from the city of Jaén. Its old quarter has been declared a Property of Cultural Interest. It is a prominent site for several cultural routes, such as the Route of the Nasrids or the Route of the Castles and Battles.

The castle of Baños de la Encina is also known as the “fortress of the seven kings” due to the number of monarchs that resided there, including Fernando el Católico. Built by the Umayyads in the 10th century, it is entirely crenellated, elliptical in shape and has 14 square towers, as well as the castle keep.However, it is not the only recommended stop: the church of San Mateo, with its magnificent altarpiece and its beautiful tabernacle; or the hermitage of Jesús el Llano, whose external sobriety contrasts enormously with the baroque interior decoration, are some examples. A tour of the town unveils other significant buildings such as the Town Hall (16th century) or numerous manor houses like the palace of the Molina de la Cerda, the palace of the Priores and the Casa de los Delgado de Castilla.Its natural surroundings are one of its many attractions, since part of its municipal area is included in the Sierra de Andújar Natural Park.