Martos: Culture, Views and Olive Oil
Accommodation in Martos
Martos brings together historic buildings, viewpoints and insights into olive oil production.
Historic Buildings and Architecture
The Real Iglesia Parroquial de Santa Marta is the oldest church in Martos. King Fernando III had it built after the Christian conquest of the city in the 13th century. Its late Gothic and Isabeline features combine with Renaissance alterations; it also has a bell tower with a spiral staircase.
Martos is designated a Historic-Artistic Monument Ensemble (BIC). The former Cárcel y Cabildo offers another point of reference in time: the architect and sculptor Francisco del Castillo built it in the 16th century. The Fuente Nueva and the former Cárcel y Cabildo display outstanding and innovative features of Andalusian Mannerism.
A museum collection in Martos covers archaeology, natural sciences and technology. If you are planning a visit, check the opening arrangements in advance.
Views of the City and Surrounding Area
From the summit of La Peña, at an altitude of 1,003 m, you can enjoy sweeping views across the surrounding area. Climbing the tower of Castillo de la Villa offers a different perspective: from there, the panorama extends across the city. The two viewpoints therefore offer distinctly different perspectives—La Peña looks out over the area around Martos, while the tower overlooks the city.
The Torre del Homenaje of Castillo de la Villa has been converted into an interpretation centre. As opening arrangements may vary, check visiting options before planning a visit.
Olive Oil and Its Production
At Cortijo El Madroño, an olive oil tourism experience includes a visit to the former oil mill and insights into traditional and modern olive oil production methods. The site also houses an olive oil factory museum, a specialist library and historical documents on the development of traditional oil extraction using centuries-old machinery. Confirm the opening arrangements in advance.
A cooperative tour has a different focus: you can tour the facilities, learn about the production of Tuccioliva AOVEs and take part in a guided tasting. Check the tasting arrangements in advance. The two types of visit thus differ in that one offers a mill visit and insights into production methods, while the other includes a tour of the facilities and a tasting.
Getting Around and Arriving
The former railway line is open to hikers and cyclists and runs across metal viaducts built by the Eiffel School. Check surface and access conditions before setting out. The route of the former railway line and its metal viaducts bring the railway’s history to life as you travel.
Martos has a bus station with services to the Consorcio de Transportes Metropolitano de Jaén and national bus routes. Check timetables and connections before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Las Escuelas, Ribera Baja, Alcaudete, ChilluĂ©var, Noalejo, Aldeaquemada, TĂscar, Arbuniel
For the main travel overview: Jaen.
