Alcaudete: Castle, Churches and Laguna Honda

Alcaudete offers a variety of starting points for planning your trip: historic buildings, routes and a wetland shaped by the seasons. The official sightseeing route begins at Plaza de Santa María. From there, you can combine your visit with the churches and castle or turn your attention to the natural surroundings and landscape.

Castle and Churches in Alcaudete

Castillo-Palacio de Alcaudete was built between the 13th and 14th centuries as part of the defensive belt protecting the western border of the Kingdom of Jaén. Its medieval walls evoke the battles and noble history of the region. Castillo de Alcaudete is a visitor attraction and provides a tangible focal point for the town's history.

Iglesia de Santa María la Mayor combines a three-nave Gothic structure with a Renaissance main chapel. It was recognized as a Bien de Interés Cultural in 1931. The design and construction of Iglesia de San Pedro can be placed in context: architect Francisco del Castillo designed the church, and his associate Juan de la Monja completed it in the second half of the 16th century. It was built on the foundations of an earlier hermitage in the new suburbs. These developed from the 16th century onward during Alcaudete's rapid population growth.

The monasteries also tell of different founding periods. On September 21, 1499, Pope Alexander VI issued a papal bull in Rome for the foundation of Convento e Iglesia de Santa Clara. The monastery has the only complete stone portal in the province of Jaén, with two stories arranged one above the other. Iglesia de la Encarnación o del Carmen is the only surviving part of the former Encarnación Monastery, founded on October 10, 1590.

Olive oil production is another point of interest: at Museo del Aceite, a scale 3D model of a modern oil mill shows the entire production process. The presentation may change over time.

Routes and Landscape

The Ruta de los Miradores is 15 kilometers long. It starts about one kilometer from the town center and climbs toward the Sierra Ahillos. There is a cycling alternative that goes around the Sierra Ahillos. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

The Sierra Ahíllos – vuelta route offers a different perspective on the landscape, with Mediterranean flora and fauna, springs and viewpoints. From there, views extend over the Guadalquivir landscape and the Sierra Nevada. At kilometer 50.5, the Vía Verde del Aceite runs right beside the Laguna Honda nature reserve. Here, you can observe the rich birdlife of the 65-hectare wetland. Bird sightings are seasonal, and conditions may vary. Beyond the building intended to house railway workers, the Vía Verde connects with signposted cycling routes in the Sierra Sur de Jaén.

For pilgrims, the Camino Mozárabe stage between Alcaudete and Baena is another option. It is 25.4 kilometers long and passes through landscapes of centuries-old olive groves, country lanes, streams and secondary roads. The starting point is at Plaza 28 de Febrero, next to Alcaudete Town Hall. Check the current signs, trail markings and surface conditions before setting out.

Lagoons and Seasonal Nature

The Laguna Honda nature reserve covers 65 hectares, with an additional 220-hectare protected zone. Laguna Honda is a seasonal endorheic wetland: it fills with the first autumn rains and holds water until spring. The time of year also shapes when to visit. On the Ruta de las Lagunas, the former railway line is considered a strategic observation point; winter is the best time to visit the lagoons. Bird presence depends on the season and conditions.

The Zona recreativa río San Juan recreational area is located at the so-called Puente Palomillas. It has drinking water fountains, barbecue areas, tables and seating. Facilities may change; check local conditions before relying on them. Seasonal activities include fishing for brown trout and barbel, as well as swimming in the river; local restrictions may apply.

Fiestas Calatravas

The Fiestas Calatravas de Alcaudete are recognized as a festival of tourist interest in Andalusia. The centerpiece for many years has been a medieval reenactment that includes the “Asalto a la Villa de Alcaudete.” The festival has been held on the second weekend in July since 2005; the exact dates may vary from year to year. Check the festival dates for the relevant year when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Hornos, Pozo Alcón, Baños De La Encina, Torreperogil, Castellar, Guarromán, Jódar, Peal De Becerro

For the broader travel overview: Jaen.