Arjona – Culture, Olive Groves, Tapas and Routes

A prominent historic site in Arjona is the Santuario de los Santos y de las Sagradas Reliquias. It was built between 1617 and 1619 to house the purported remains of the martyrs Bonoso and Maximiano, as well as the remains of more than 3,000 early Christian martyrs.

Culture and History

The Museo arqueológico de Arjona, opened on 22 November 2012, has a collection of almost 3,000 objects ranging from fossils to pieces from modern archaeology. Its chronological tour takes visitors through the prehistoric and historic developmental phases of Arjona.

Landscape and Townscape

The landscape around Arjona consists of gently rolling hills with moderate slopes and is predominantly used for agriculture; olive groves account for the largest proportion of the area, followed by cereal fields. Three ecosystems can be distinguished within the municipal area: olive groves, stream banks with riparian vegetation, and field margins and boundary strips. The Mirador Casco Antiguo de Arjona is located at a former fortified site and offers views across the entire western Campiña of the province of Jaén.

The Parque del Olivar is located next to the Iglesia del Carmen in the historic centre of Arjona. The park's major artistic features include trunks with olive leaves, olive clusters, wrought-iron olive trees and a monumental fountain.

Cuisine and Festivals

The Ruta de la Tapa Nazarí takes place every November as part of Noviembre Cultural, organised by Arjona Town Council. During the route, local cafés, bars and restaurants prepare various dishes as individual tapas and compete in several categories.

Festivals and Events

The Fiestasantos takes place from 11 to 24 August; on 21 August, the procession of the images and relics of the patron saints is the main event on the programme. The Veladas Nazaríes are held repeatedly; the 21st edition filled Arjona's historic centre with history, music and colour. Its programme includes a medieval souk with craftspeople and a gastronomic area. The Veladas Nazaríes also include “El Alfarero”, an educational and participatory pottery workshop for all age groups.

Routes and Activities

The Ruta literaria Juan Eslava Galán is one of the established routes in Arjona and is listed as a 2-hour-30-minute route with a length of 1 km. During this route, the guide reads excerpts from the works of Juan Eslava Galán at the monuments and sites visited. The Oficina de Turismo Rey Alhamar offers a wide range of guided tours, hiking routes, musical performances and other activities.

Other Local Destinations

Other local destinations: Cárcheles, El Parralejo, Ribera Alta, Castillo De Locubín, Friar, Fuensanta De Martos, Noalejo, Navas de San Juan.

More Experiences

The 48,000 m² oil mill of the Centro Hípico y de Oleoturismo has been prepared for tourist visits. The Centro Hípico y de Oleoturismo aims to combine promoting olive oil culture with an interest in the world of horses.

To the main travel overview: Jaen.