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Attractions

Murallas y Arcos

The Moorish Iznatoraf was a medina well adapted to the topographical characteristics of the land and strongly walled. However, Fernando III, who did not encounter resistance to his conquest in 1229.

Escuela de la Naturaleza Las Nogueras

The school complex is situated in the beautiful heart of the Natural Park and provides opportunities for environmental education, rural tourism and recreation. The activities on offer here include hiking, workshops in nature, bread and perfume, horse riding, fruit orchards, a zip line, sports, gymkhanas, cooperative games, climbing, archery, swimming, cultural visits and mountain cycling.

Castillo de Castro Ferral

The only remains of this castle are a rammed earth tower built by the Muslims prior to the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa. In 1169, this castle was conquered by Calatravo Knights commanded by Fernando de Icaza, second Master of the Order.

Cueva de los Muñecos

The cave known as Cueva de los Muñecos (Cave of the Dolls) is located in one of the most rugged spots in the Sierra Morena, within the Despeñaperros Natural Park. It sits in a ravine between huge blocks of stone.

Museo Batalla de las Navas de Tolosa 1212

The Museum of the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa presents, in an original and educational way, the historical events of a battle that changed the course of history.

Ayuntamiento

In the original building, the local policeman and his family lived on the ground floor, with municipal offices above and the jail at the rear. It was rebuilt in 1991, retaining the double façade. The metal bell assembly is a modern recreation of the original design.

Antiguo Pósito

During the colonization of the area (see La Carolina), the 1768 Agricultural Reform Bill for Andalusia stated that each northern European settler family receive a house with 33 hectares of land.

Iglesia de la Emperatriz Santa Elena

This colonial-style church dates from 1793 the period when the Nuevas Poblaciones were founded in this area, including La Carolina. It was built on the site of the original chapel, erected by order of King Alfonso VIII to celebrate the victory of the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa in 1212

Ermita de la Veracruz

During the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa, it was considered a Miracle that the cross, carried in the vanguard in combat by the canon Don Domingo Pascual de Almoguera accompanied by a small escort of Knights, was not captured or destroyed by the Arabs .

Aldea El Guindo

The old mining complexes in the north of the province of Jaén are stunning landscapes and a great place for those who are keen on stargazing. This area has a spectacular Northern and Western horizon, where it is possible to see the elusive zodiacal light on winter nights.

Iglesia de Navas de Tolosa

Construction of this church was commissioned by the Intendant of the New Populations in 1777, and it was completed in 1783.

Ermita de San Juan de la Cruz

In 1565, a community of Friars was established here. The current main altar of this hermitage is the primitive oratory of the old convent of La Peñuela.

Monumento a la Batalla de La Navas de Tolosa

Look out for the modern monument dedicated to the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa, which was inaugurated in 1881. It depicts the Kings, Alfonso of Castilla as well as several Archbishops who also took part in the Battle.

Antigua Cárcel

The Neoclassical-style old prison is where the popular liberal General ‘Riego’ (Rafael del Riego y Nuñez) was held after being taken prisoner at a country estate near the village of Arquillos.

Calle Jardines

This was one of the first streets of La Carolina, laid out by Pablo de Olavide in 1767. It originally linked Plaza del Ayuntamiento with the church, and its design is attributed to the military engineer, Desnaux.

Torre de Perdigones (Torre de la Munición)

These two well-worn, unassuming towers date back to 1768, but were moved here from Plaza del Ayuntamiento in 1873, divided into three panels. The top of the right tower is dedicated to Carlos III and bears his royal crest.

Torres de la Fundación

These two well-worn, unassuming towers date back to 1768, but were moved here from Plaza del Ayuntamiento in 1873, divided into three panels. The top of the right tower is dedicated to Carlos III and bears his royal crest.

Palacio del Intendente Olavide

This palace was the house of Pablo Olávide, the Andalusian Governor who founded La Carolina through his colonisation strategy. He was also an important figure in the urban planning of other towns and cities, including Seville.

Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción

The church was built in 1573 and was inaugurated on February 2nd, 1578, destined to be the church of the Convent of La Peñuela. It responds to the style of a Carmelite church with a single rectangular nave covered with a barrel vault.

Plaza de la Iglesia

This plaza was built between 1767 and 1769. Although it has not been the ‘main square’ since the council moved their offices from here in 1872, it remains the historic centre of the town.