Discover Martos: History, La Peña and Olive Oil

Those wishing to combine culture, landscape and regional olive oil traditions in Martos will find various themes to consider when planning their trip. The town offers everything from historic buildings to routes along a former railway line and insights into the production of a defining regional product.

Culture

A notable point of interest is the Real Iglesia Parroquial de Santa Marta. It combines Late Gothic and Isabelline features with Renaissance alterations and has a bell tower with a spiral staircase. It is also the oldest church in Martos: following the Christian conquest of the town in the 13th century, it was built by King Ferdinand III.

Martos is designated a historic-artistic monument ensemble (BIC). Its historic buildings also include the former Cárcel y Cabildo, which was built in the 16th century by the architect and sculptor Francisco del Castillo and is regarded as an example of Andalusian Mannerism. The Fuente Nueva and the former Cárcel y Cabildo display outstanding and innovative features of this Andalusian Mannerist architecture.

A religious and artistic manifestation recognised as being of national tourist interest leads through the winding streets of Martos's old town. The Castillo de la Villa includes the Torre del Homenaje, which has been converted into an interpretation centre. The ascent to the tower offers panoramic views over the town.

Landscape

The summit of La Peña, which lies at an altitude of 1,003 m, offers extensive views over the surrounding area. Landscape and historic routes come together on the former railway line of the Tren del Aceite: it has been developed for hikers and cyclists and crosses metal viaducts built in the Eiffel style.

A 128 km ecotourism route between Jaén and Puente Genil runs along the former railway line. The different scales of town sightseeing, viewpoints, physical activity and a longer route can be given separate weight when planning your trip.

Getting Around

Martos has a bus station with connections to the Consorcio de Transportes Metropolitano de Jaén and to national bus services.

More Destinations

For additional destination ideas: La Puerta De Segura, Castellar, Lopera, Torres, Sabariego, Torres De Albánchez, Segura De La Sierra, Alcalá La Real.

Olive Oil and Collections

Cortijo El Madroño offers an olive oil tourism experience that includes a visit to the former olive mill and insights into traditional and modern olive oil production methods. It houses an oil mill museum, a specialist library and historical documents on the development of traditional oil extraction using centuries-old machinery.

You can give the themes of culture, landscape, physical activity and olive oil different levels of importance and incorporate them into your personal travel plans.

During a visit to a cooperative, you can tour the facilities, learn about the production of Tuccioliva AOVEs and take part in a guided tasting. The museum collection in Martos covers archaeology, natural sciences and technology.

For the overarching travel overview: Jaen.