The best road cycling routes around Jódar

Declared a National Monument in 1931, the cathedral stands on the site of an ancient Roman temple, later transformed into a Visigothic structure and then into a mosque after the arrival of the Muslims. In 1227, it became the cathedral seat under the Marian patronage of the Nativity. It acquired its Renaissance character in the 16th century, after more than half of the building collapsed in 1567. Andrés de Vandelvira and other important Andalusian architects imbued the cathedral with the classical style then prevalent in religious art. Until the end of the century, the temple was transformed piecemeal. The main portal was designed in 1587 by Juan Bautista Villalpando, featuring a relief of the Nativity of the Virgin, sculpted by the Jesuit Jerónimo del Prado from Baeza. The Puerta de la Luna (Moon Gate) is one of the oldest elements of the cathedral, with its distinctive 13th-century polylobed arch. Above it stands the 14th-century Gothic rose window, one of the few elements that survived the collapse of the cathedral in 1567. Therefore, the reconstruction was entrusted to Andrés de Vandelvira, who contributed his mastery to give the cathedral the Renaissance richness it boasts today. The combination of Mudéjar, Gothic, and Renaissance styles allows one to observe the passage of time through its walls, telling its story through each of its architectural styles. In addition to visiting the interior of the cathedral, it is highly recommended to climb the tower, from where you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the town and its surrounding countryside.

Opposite the Jabalquinto Palace stands the Church of Santa Cruz, one of the few Romanesque churches in all of Andalusia. Built in the 13th century, after the conquest of the Upper Guadalquivir Valley by Ferdinand III, it preserves remnants of 15th and 16th-century frescoes.

The Pópulo square, also known as Plaza de los Leones (Lions' square), is one of the most emblematic and picturesque corners of Baeza. This square is part of the monumental Renaissance complex that led to the city being declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003.

The Castillo de Bedmar, also known as the Castillo Nuevo de Bedmar, is a historic fortress located in the municipality of Bedmar y Garcíez in the province of Jaén, Spain. The castle was originally built in the 15th century by the Order of Santiago and served as a defensive bastion against the invasions of the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada. The castle is located in a strategic location in the Sierra Mágina, which made it an important border fortress during the Middle Ages. It has a rich history of conflict between Christian and Muslim rulers, changing hands several times. Today the castle is in a state of disrepair, but it remains a fascinating example of medieval military architecture.

This beautiful village, surrounded by olive groves, is located at the foot of the Sierra Magina mountain range, with olive trees on one side and mountains on the other. The village, the most populated in the park, extends over a hill under the watchful eye of a beautiful castle, which is also part of the historical artistic site. It also has a beautiful parish church. The municipality is located in the Sierra Magina Natural Park, part of the Subbetic region, which offers beautiful and spectacular views. As for the vegetation, holm oaks and gall oaks are common, as well as pines and salgareños. The rich and varied flora and fauna are also important. Part of the Alto Guadalquivir nature reserve, an important wetland of great ecological importance, is also located in the district.

A town located in the southeast of the province, at the foot of the Sierra de Cazorla and facing the olive-growing countryside. Birthplace of the painter Rafael Zabaleta, to whom he has dedicated a museum with a large part of his work. It is a colorful collection of narrow streets with white houses in which the church of San Pedro and San Pablo, the church of the hospital, the Arco de la Manquita de Utrera and the Arco de Los Santos or del Señor stand out.

The Castillo de Jódar is an impressive medieval fortress in Jódar. The castle has its origins in the 8th century during the Emirate. It has gone through several phases, with important constructions during the Almoravid and Almohad periods, as well as Gothic modifications to the towers of homage. The castle is located on the slope of Cerro San Cristóbal and is surrounded by the town of Jódar. It has two main towers, the Torre Norte and the Torre Sur, with dimensions of 15.30 x 12.60 metres and 13.50 x 12.40 metres respectively. The castle also had a large water reservoir, an aljibe, for water supply. In 2012, restoration and rehabilitation work was carried out to restore the castle and use it as a museum. The Torre Norte now houses the Centro de Interpretación de la Historia de Jódar, opened in 2013, while the Torre Sur houses the Visitor Centre of the Parque Natural de Sierra Mágina.

It's fun to climb the tower: 196 steps to a beautiful view.