Discover Navas de San Juan

Navas de San Juan brings together sacred architectural heritage, traditional celebrations and destinations in the surrounding landscape. When planning your trip, you can focus on different themes: the churches tell the story of several building phases, the Romería de la Virgen de la Estrella shapes the calendar in early May, and trails and natural areas offer more ways to enjoy your stay.

Churches, Architectural History and Industrial Heritage

The Iglesia de San Juan Bautista dates from the mid-16th century and includes building phases spanning the 16th to 18th centuries. Its style is shaped by Andalusian Mannerism. Its history dates back to 1552, when Rodríguez de Benavides donated the palatial Castillejo de los Benavides to the local parish priest. Visitors interested in architecture will find both a stylistic context and a link to a specific historical event here.

The Ermita de la Virgen de la Estrella stands on a 13th-century Arab fortress. Its features include three naves and a camarín with paintings by the artist Palma Burgos. Castillo de Torre Alver, meanwhile, was built to monitor a secondary pass between Andalusia and La Mancha, the Camino de Castellar de la Mata. It lies entirely within the municipality of Navas de San Juan, is in ruins and is classified as a site of special cultural interest.

Las Pilas and La Minilla also reveal other aspects of local history. Las Pilas is a public washhouse that already existed in 1804. Its layout comprises two covered halls, each with two rows of washing basins. La Minilla is an industrial chimney dating from the late 19th century. It recalls a former factory where olive-mill pomace was processed to produce oil and orujillo.

Romerías and Cultural Attractions

The Romería de la Virgen de la Estrella takes place every year from 1 to 3 May at Llano de La Estrella. On 1 May, it includes a walking procession from Navas de San Juan to the ermita. The tradition features romero attire, decorated wagons, and participants travelling on foot and on horseback. If you would like to plan your trip around this celebration, check the dates in advance.

The Centro de Interpretación del Aceite y el Olivar offers another way to explore the region’s agricultural heritage. Following extensive renovation, it reopened in March 2023 as a permanent exhibition on the agricultural heritage of Navas de San Juan. The exhibition features interactive touchscreen applications, projections and video games. Check the visitor arrangements before your visit.

Fuente del Rosal is a recreational area upgraded in 2013, with stone benches and tables; the Romería de San Isidro Labrador takes place there. The site thus combines a place to relax with another of the municipality’s religious traditions.

Landscape, Trails and Outdoor Activities

A 34-kilometre trail starts at the Ecoparque del Aceite y el Olivar and ends at the 13th-century Castillo de Torrealver. You can cover the route on foot, on horseback or by car; local conditions and any required permits may vary. The stated distance and range of travel options can help you choose how you would like to make the journey.

The Olvera natural area by the Guadalimar River is accessible on foot or by car. It combines a diverse ecosystem with archaeological remains. A hill 863 metres high offers views over the municipality. Old gypsum quarries can be visited and explored about two kilometres from the town centre. Check local access and conditions before visiting the quarries.

There are also a range of public facilities for spending time outdoors. Parque del Hondillo has a large children’s play area, a zip line and a climbing wall. Mirador de los Calerines is a green space in the upper part of the municipality, with benches, picnic tables and outdoor exercise equipment. The facilities offer quite different experiences: the first focuses on play and movement, while the second provides seating and opportunities for a picnic or exercise.

Regional Dishes

Local dishes and pastries can also add to your stay. Calandrajos is a stew reminiscent of gazpacho manchego, with distinctive notes of mint. Roscos de sartén are made from a flour-based dough and have hints of lemon or orange. The two examples offer contrasting flavours: a savoury dish with mint and a pastry with citrus notes.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Alcalá La Real, Siles, Torres De Albánchez, Bedmar, Miller, Hinojares, Cabra Del Santo Cristo, Porcuna.

For the broader travel overview: Jaen.