The best gravel rides around Baeza

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.

nice route and beautiful views

Linares has Iberian roots, with the city of Cástulo as its original center, capital of Oretania. It was first mentioned as such in 1155, during the reign of Alfonso VII. In the 19th century, it experienced its greatest boom thanks to lead mining, becoming a key industrial center in Spain. In 1875, Alfonso XII granted it the title of city. In the 20th century, the automotive industry took center stage with Santana Motor, which manufactured the famous Land Rover Santana.

It's truly incredible to think of streams so rich in salt.

Saltwater wells are very common in this area, used for the production of salt similar to that produced in the sea, but with the difference that the water extracted cannot be used for irrigation or drinking due to the high salt concentration. The stream floor is completely white due to this salinization of the surroundings, which forms crystals.

This iconic street was made pedestrian-only several years ago to enhance the city center, where shops are concentrated offering visitors a variety of products, from prized Extra Virgin olive oil to ceramics and other objects.

This viewpoint is located on the Paseo de la Muralla (walled walkway) and very close to the Bullring. It offers views of the entire Guadalquivir River valley, the Sierra de Mágina mountain range with Aznaitín peak, and behind it, Almadén. In the background, to the right, we can see the city of Jaén with its castle as a lookout tower.