Discover Arroyo Del Ojanco

Arroyo del Ojanco brings together the broad Guadalimar floodplain, a distinctive natural landmark, walking and cycling routes, and Roman heritage. When planning your trip, you can choose to focus on landscapes and outdoor activities, archaeological sites, or local architecture and festival culture. Each place and tradition offers a different focus.

Landscape and orientation

The town lies on a broad plain in the Guadalimar floodplain. The Guadalmena and Guadalimar rivers cross the municipal area; along the Guadalimar, the floodplain landscape, flat terrain and abundant water shape the surroundings. Arroyo del Ojanco lies in the orographic region of the Sierra de Segura. The N-322 is also a prominent landmark: it passes through the built-up area.

A notable natural attraction is the Olivo de Fuentebuena, a natural monument designated by the Junta de Andalucía and a symbol of Arroyo del Ojanco. The tree stands ten metres tall, and its trunk measures more than four metres in circumference. From the town centre, it can be reached via the local JV-7.005 road towards Beas de Segura; after the Prados de Armijo junction, the olive tree is about 50 metres from the road. Its dimensions give a vivid sense of the scale of this natural monument.

Walking and cycling routes

The Sendero Olivo Milenario Fuentebuena Arroyo del Ojanco starts in the town centre, at the junction of Calle Carretera and the JA-9114. The section of the Camino Natural Vía Verde del Renacimiento near Arroyo del Ojanco can be reached via the N-322; its starting point is about two kilometres from the town. The starting points are therefore quite different: one is in the town centre, while the other is some distance away.

The Vía Verde de Segura passes through the municipal area and is suitable for walkers and cyclists thanks to its gradual gradient, with no steep slopes or hard-to-access sections. Shortly before Arroyo del Ojanco, it crosses the Guadalimar. The section of the Vía Verde de Segura near Arroyo del Ojanco passes through several Sites of Community Importance (LIC) and overlaps with the Parque Natural de las Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y las Villas. This gives you different route options to consider: a walking trail starting in the town centre, and sections of longer routes that pass through the municipal area and its landscape.

Roman heritage and architecture

The Villa Romana de Los Baños was a late-imperial Roman villa used for agriculture. Its exceptional features include mosaics. Following emergency excavations, the archaeological site is currently covered with a layer of earth. To understand the site, it is important to consider both its ancient use and its present condition.

The Centro de Interpretación de la Cultura Romana presents Arroyo del Ojanco’s Roman heritage. The exhibition includes reproductions, information panels, projections and a replica of an archaeological excavation. The centre has two rooms and a central courtyard; its outdoor area is used as a performance venue. Visits must be arranged in advance. Please book ahead.

The Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción also features striking architectural details. It dates from the early 20th century and was restored in the mid-1950s. A ceramic altarpiece is set into its façade. The entrance has a pointed arch framed with exposed brick; above it are three openings with round arches. The bell tower consists of two sections: the first houses the clock, while the second contains the bell chamber, surrounded by a frame and topped with a hipped roof. These features can be viewed separately on the façade and tower.

Traditions and local character

The Fiestas del Toro Ensogado, held in honour of San Marcos, take place from 22 to 25 April. They are preceded on the first Sunday in April by a traditional pilgrimage organised by the Hermandad de San Marcos. Local customs also include Los Cristos: jota dances sung in unison to guitar, lute, bandurria and violin. In Arroyo del Ojanco, bolos serranos is played outdoors as a traditional game and sport from March to November.

The local shepherding cuisine includes tortas de pastor, andrajos, galianos and Easter hornazos. Segureño lamb is also part of the local cuisine, served as chops, a stew or a leg of lamb. Traditional crafts include items made from esparto grass and wood, as well as textiles and handmade objects. These themes complement the routes and architecture with a glimpse into local customs and craftsmanship.

Discover more destinations: Ermita Nueva, Hornos, El Almicerán, La Puerta De Segura, Mancha Real, Santa Elena, Pozo Alcón, Virgen De La Cabeza

For the overview of the wider region: Jaen.