Santiago de Calatrava
by Saskia Mier
Santiago de Calatrava is situated to the southwest of the province of Jaén, in an area governed by the olive tree. It gets its name from the Order of Calatrava, to which it once belonged. It has about 670 inhabitants.
HISTORY
Archaeological remains from Roman and Arab times have been found in the area, which certify theformer presence of these cultures in its territory. After the delivery of the fortresses of Martosto the Kingdom of Castile in 1225, King Fernando III donated Martos and his term to the Religious-Military Order of Calatrava in 1228. Martos was designated by the Order of Calatrava,Head of the Andalusian Party, constituting the Encomiendas de Martos and that of the Víboras, which included the Villa de Martos itself, the Villa de Torreximeno, the annex of Xamilena, Santiago, the Figuera de Martos, the Torre de Alcázar and Venzalá, the Monte de Lope Álvarez, about 200 yugada in the inheritance of Arjona and the Villa de Porcuna. The latter would become effective its delivery to the Order of Calatrava when it was conquered from the Arabs. More>
THINGS TO SEE
Iglesia Parroquial Virgen de las Estrellas
Built in 1723 and rebuilt in 1940, the church has a single box nave. Externally, it demonstrates clear volumetric geometry that emphasizes the quadrangular structure and the central axis. Its stone rigging is cared for and the ensemble shows severe packaging.The main portal is stylized in relation to the façade wall, with a landscape layout; it opens with a semicircular arch, framed by listels and pilasters, and culminates in a split triangular pediment. On the sides, two circular flared windows with multi-lobed perimeters embellish the façade, culminating in a running molding that leads to the eaves. At the foot of the church a vertical body is highlighted culminating in a belfry, which stands out in height over the whole of the church, and is articulated in two bodies for bells: the first with two openings with semicircular arches and the second with an opening crowned by a small pediment with a cross at its vertex. Located in Plaza de la Constitución. (Location)
Antiguo Ayuntamiento
In the vicinity of the Iglesia Parroquial Virgen de la Estrellais what wasformerly theTown Hall, later the Agrarian Chamber and currently the San Isidro Retirement Home. It consists of a ground floor and two upper sections, with lintelled openings, those of the floor’s upper balconies, arranged on the axis and between attached pillars. The set is completed by a bell tower. Located in Plaza de la Constitución. (Location)
El Pósito
A landmark from the eighteenth century, thisbuilding was first used as a prison and later a grain store and a Health Centre. Currently, it is the Headquarters of an Adult School. Located on Calle La Corte. (Location)
GASTRONOMY
The traditional cuisine of Santiago de Calatrava shares similar traditions with the rest of the towns in the area, whether from Jaén or from neighbouring Córdoba. Try local dishes such as relleno(similar to haggis), albóndigas (meatballs) and guisos sin carne (vegetable stews). Sweet treats include gachas dulces (similar to semolina and sometimes served with theaddition of chopped nuts), batatas con almíbar (sweet potato in syrup with dried fruits) and buñuelos (doughnutus).
FESTIVALS
Popular festivals in Santiago de Calatrava are San Sebastián, San Isidro and Feria y Fiestas Patronales. More>
Bus Service
There is a bus service from Santiago de Calatrava to Jaén bus station and to other nearby villages. More>
Weather forecast
The weather forecast for the next few days for Santiago de Calatrava. More>
Tourist Office
The tourist office of La Guardia de Jaén is located in the town hall. (Location)
NEARBY PLACES
The neighbouring villages to Santiago de Calatrava are Higuera de Calatrava, Valenzuela, Martos and Albendín.