Sierra Sur
Castles of the old frontier with Granada, among mountains and cherry trees.
Key points
- The Fortaleza de la Mota, in Alcalá la Real, is one of the most impressive medieval citadels in Andalusia.
- For centuries these lands were the frontier with the Nasrid kingdom of Granada: hence the castles.
- Five municipalities: Alcalá la Real, Alcaudete, Castillo de Locubín, Frailes and Valdepeñas de Jaén.
In the south of the province, bordering Granada and Córdoba, the Sierra Sur combines mountains, cherry orchards and frontier castles. It is remarkably green for Jaén, with springs, trout streams and villages with festivals all of their own.
Fortaleza de la Mota
On the hill of La Mota stands an entire fortified town: the citadel, walls, the abbey church and the remains of the old quarter. For over a century, Alcalá la Real was Castile's key stronghold against Granada. The visit includes exhibitions and views over the mountains and the plain.
Alcaudete
Its castle, which belonged to the Order of Calatrava, towers over the town and has an interpretation centre. Alcaudete is a stop on the Olive Oil Greenway, which you can cycle among olive groves and iron viaducts.
More villages
- Castillo de LocubínCherry blossom in spring and the Villeta castle.
- FrailesA small mountain village surrounded by orchards and olive groves.
- Valdepeñas de JaénAmong mountains, with watermills and the Cristo de Chircales hermitage.
Festivals
In summer, Etnosur turns Alcalá la Real into a free world-music festival with a long history. Holy Week in Alcalá and the August fairs complete the calendar.