Sabiote
Sabiote has a wonderful historical and artistic heritage, which makes this municipality in Jaén a destination of special interest for seekers of cultural tourism. It has about 3,800 inhabitants.
History
The origins of Sabiote date back to its colonization around 1,200 B.C., when the commercial spirit of the Phoenicians was attracted to the area’s natural wealth. It wasn’t until the Middle Ages that human settlement turned the town into a small medieval city. Following the Moorish conquer of the Iberian peninsula in the eighth century, a Muslim settlement was established in Sabiote owing to its strategic position within the Loma de Úbeda. The town expanded to the south and southwest due to the approach of the Christian armies to the Guadalquivir Valley. More>
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Things to see
Castillo de Sabiote
The known history of the castle dates back to the thirteenth century, due to the defensive advantage of the hill on which it stands over the La Loma region. The prestigious architect Andrés de Vandelvira is credited with transforming this medieval fortress into a Renaissance court palace, at the request of its owner, whom he met in Italy, Don Francisco de los Cobos, Carlos V’s personal secretary and later also of his son, Emperor Felipe II. (Location)
Iglesia Parroquial de San Pedro
The church was built on the site of a former, possibly Gothic, temple. The construction of the current church began around 1500, and it was rebuilt in the sixteenth century with a layout by Alonso Barba, a disciple of Vandelvira. The building process extended throughout the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, due to lack of financial resources. (Location)
Casa de las Manillas
A Renaissance-style building dating from 1550. Its exterior presents a severe façade of masonry stone with railings and handles of the time, in the centre of which is the main portal, a work from the second half of the sixteenth century, with a lintel and flanked by pilasters, and above it a window with a grille and two noble coats of arms of the Melgarejo and Figueroa families on the sides. Today, it is used as a hostel. (Location)
Arco de la Alegría
A semicircular arch built between the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. Like all Sabiote gateways, this one also contains its niche, known as the Granada gateway. The slightly pointed arch still preserves inside a piece of wood with holes for the hinges. This arch once marked the starting point of the medieval road that connected Sabiote with Granada. (Location)
Iglesia de Santa María de la Estrella
This was the first Christian temple in the town, later reformed when it was ceded so that the Monasterio de las Carmelitas Descalzas could be built next to it. The primitive pine wood altarpiece of Santa María de la Estrella was the work of Diego de Alarcón. The central niche occupied by the image of Nuestra Señora del Cortijo, Santa Teresa, was placed on the left and San José, patron saint of the community, on the right. (Location)
Ermita de San Ginés
The chapel is dedicated to the patron saint of the town and was preceded by an older sixteenth-century hermitage. Its construction was started in 1729, during the term of Bishop Rodrigo Marín Rubio, and the work was completed in 1736. The project was drawn up by José Gallego, Master of the Cathedral of Jaén. Its construction required the economic contribution of the Council and contributions from the faithful. (Location)
Natural Areas
Cañada Real El Paso
This recreational area consists of various elements such as a children’s park, kiosks, fountains, barbecues, tables and benches, trees and football field, making it a magnificent place to spend a field day. It is currently undergoing refurbishments to expand its usefulness to tourists, whilst respecting the environment and maintaining the park’s traditional character.
Fuente de la Corregidora
This is one of the oldest fountains in Sabiote, and undoubtedly the most traditional in style.
Bus Services
There are various bus services from Sabiote. (Location)
Handicrafts
Travellers who wish to acquire local crafts will find products made with esparto grass and palm, as well as traditional saddlery made with leather and wool rugs.
Gastronomy
To taste the traditional delicacies of Sabiote, one must try dishes such as lomo con sal (pork loin roasted in salt), mejillones en rojo (mussels), caracoles fritos (fried snails), ajete (vegetable pisto) and pipirrana (tomato, egg, pepper and onion salad). Sweet treats include torta de chocolate (chocolate torte), galletas de coco (coconut biscuits), torrijas (fried eggy bread) and borrachuelos (fried aniseed pastries).
Festivals
Popular festivals in Sabiote are Hogueras de San Antón, La Candelaria, Virgen de la Estrella, El Medievo and San Ginés. (Location)
Weather Forecast
The weather forecast for the next few days for Sabiote. (Location)
Tourist Office
The tourist office of Sabiote is located in the Calle Castillo. (Location)
Villages Nearby
The neighbouring villages to Ibros are Úbeda and Torreperogil
.