Discover Peñolite: Hiking Trails, Landscape and Culture

Four circular hiking trails for families begin at Peñolite’s church square. The routes follow well-maintained paths and tracks. Around 800 m after the start of the family route, the Fuente del Barranco Negro spring lies approximately 20 m to the left of the path; it is a drinking-water spring. The circular route, its course and this distinctive stopping point give the day’s hike a clearly recognizable sequence.

Nature and Trails

A different type of route is represented by the linear PR-A 189 hiking trail. It connects Arroyo del Ojanco with the hamlet of Peñolite and runs through olive groves in the Sierra de Segura. Between Arroyo del Ojanco and Peñolite, the route follows paved roads or forest tracks with little vehicle traffic. Circular hiking trails and a linear connection thus represent different route formats. Cuerda de Lucas can be reached via the forest track between Peñolite and Cañada Catena. At its highest point, it reaches 1,143 m. The type of path, route format and elevation point each place different emphasis within the landscape.

Landscape

The basin of the Arroyo de Peñolite offers panoramic views from the surrounding peaks over the area around the Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas Nature Park and the neighboring Parque del Calar Alto in Albacete. In the basin of the Arroyo de Peñolite, west-facing sunsets can be seen with the landscape of the province of Jaén in the background. Views from the peaks and sunsets in the basin show two different perspectives of the surrounding area.

History and Architectural Heritage

Two freestanding towers, remains of walls and a third tower have survived from the fortified settlement of Peñolite; the third tower is integrated into the walls of a ruined farmhouse. The surviving towers belonged to a Hispano-Muslim fortified settlement from the 12th century. The Iglesia de San Juan Bautista, a chapel, is located in the Peñolite-Puente de Génave settlement center. The Iglesia de Peñolite displays a certain character of Andalusian regionalism. Thus, remnants of fortifications, a chapel and a church with its own architectural character come together in one place.

Festivals and Village Life

The patron saint’s festival of San Juan is celebrated in Peñolite on June 24. For the festival of San Juan Bautista, sporting, cultural and social activities are organized on the days before and after June 24. San Antón is Peñolite’s second patron saint; his festival is celebrated in Peñolite on January 17. With the beginning of summer, the municipal swimming pool El Balcón de Peñolite opened its leisure facility. The festival calendar thus combines the January date with the celebrations around June 24 and seasonal village life.

Other Places

Other places in the same regional context: Pozo Alcón, Baeza, Bélmez De La Moraleda, Huelma, Porcuna, Pegalajar, Virgen De La Cabeza, Iznatoraf

For the broader travel overview: Jaen.