Jaén history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Jaén is rooted in deep antiquity, with traces of human presence in the area dating back to the Neolithic era. However, the city began to take shape as a proper settlement thanks to the Iberians.

• Iberian Period: One of the most important proto-urban centres was Puente Tablas, which existed in the vicinity of the modern city from the 7th century BC.
• Roman Era: Under the Romans, the city was named Auringis. During this time, it gained the status of a municipium, which contributed to its active construction and infrastructure development.
• Arab Influence: The modern name comes from the Arabic Jayyan, which translates as "crossroads of caravans". It was during this period that the city acquired its current outlines and defensive walls.

Key Development Factors

The development of Jaén was predetermined by its unique geographical position and natural resources, which made it a desirable target for many civilizations.

• Strategic Height: The city is located at the foot of the Santa Catalina hill. This location provided an ideal vantage point and control over the surrounding lands, which was critical for defence.
• Water Resources: The abundance of natural water sources surfacing at the foot of the limestone mountains allowed for the creation of a sustainable water supply and irrigation system in ancient times.
• Border Position: In various historical eras, Jaén served as an important outpost and trade hub between the Guadalquivir Valley and the mountainous regions of Andalusia.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy of ancient Jaén was based on agriculture and crafts, traditions of which have been preserved to this day.

Already in the Roman period, the region was famous for the production of olive oil, which was exported to various corners of the empire. Deposits of silver and lead in the nearby Sierra Morena mountains also played an important role, attracting merchants and artisans. The cultural landscape of the city was formed like a layered "cake", where Roman temples were built on the foundation of Iberian traditions, and later — Moorish mosques and palaces.

Key Milestones in the History of Jaén

• 207 BC — Roman legions commanded by Scipio Africanus capture the city from the Carthaginians, beginning the process of its Romanisation under the name Auringis.
• 712 — The city comes under Muslim rule, receives the name Jayyan, and becomes an important fortified point of Al-Andalus.
• 1031 — After the fall of the Caliphate of Córdoba, Jaén gains the status of the capital of an independent Taifa (emirate), which contributes to its economic growth.
• 1246 — King Ferdinand III the Saint of Castile signs the Treaty of Jaén, definitively incorporating the city into Christian domains.
• 1460 — The Constable of Castile, Miguel Lucas de Iranzo, establishes his residence in the city; his rule is considered the golden age of local culture and construction.
• 1525 — Construction begins on the new Cathedral, which would subsequently become a recognized masterpiece of the Spanish Renaissance.
• 1755 — The city feels the effects of the Great Lisbon Earthquake, which damages the walls of the Castle of Santa Catalina and the cathedral towers, requiring subsequent restoration.
• 1808 — During the Napoleonic Wars, the city is occupied by French troops, who turn the Castle of Santa Catalina into their military base.
• 1833 — As a result of the administrative reform of Javier de Burgos, the city officially becomes the capital of the province of Jaén.
• 1993 — The University of Jaén is founded, becoming a key centre for education and science for the entire region.

Stages of Development and Transformation of Jaén

The evolution of Jaén is a journey from a fortified outpost to the world capital of olive oil and a modern university centre. Each era has left its mark on the street layout, economy, and cultural code of the city.

• Urbanism of Al-Andalus: During the period of Muslim rule, the historical structure of the city was formed with narrow winding streets adapted to the complex relief of the Santa Catalina slope. A major contribution was the creation of a complex hydraulic system and the construction of the Arab Baths (Baños Árabes) — one of the largest and best-preserved in Europe, highlighting the high social and hygienic standards of that time.
• Transformation into a Strategic Bastion: After the Christian conquest in the 13th century, Jaén became a key border city between Castile and the Emirate of Granada for many years. This defined its architectural appearance: the expansion and strengthening of the Castle of Santa Catalina and the city walls constrained civil construction, turning the city into an impregnable fortress.
• Renaissance Flourishing: The 16th and 17th centuries were a period of radical cultural and urban transformation. The construction of the majestic Cathedral designed by Andrés de Vandelvira not only changed the city's silhouette but also set a new vector for architectural development, transforming Jaén from a military camp into a centre of art and religion.
• Provincial Capital Status (19th Century): The administrative reform of 1833 gave a powerful impulse to development. Jaén became an administrative centre, which led to the growth of the bourgeoisie, the demolition of part of the medieval walls for city expansion, and the construction of new public buildings in eclectic and modernist styles.
• Economic Specialization: In the 19th and 20th centuries, Jaén's role as the "World Capital of Olive Oil" was finally solidified. The development of transport infrastructure and the introduction of industrial oil pressing methods made the city the economic core of the region, heavily reliant on the agrarian sector.
• University Modernization: The founding of the University of Jaén in 1993 became the most important urban planning and social project of the late 20th century. The construction of the Las Lagunillas campus led to the development of the northern part of the city, an influx of youth, and economic diversification, shifting the focus from agriculture to education and innovation.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architecture of Jaén is a visual dialogue between the steep mountain terrain and the human striving for monumentality. The city developed from top to bottom: from the impregnable castle on the summit of Santa Catalina hill to the fertile plain, creating a unique multi-layered landscape.

Eras and Styles

Each historical period has left a distinct mark on Jaén, shaping its current appearance. The main architectural landmarks can be attributed to the following eras:

• Islamic Period and Middle Ages (8th–13th centuries):

  The foundation of the old city. Urban planning of this time was dictated by defensive needs and complex terrain. It is characterized by narrow, winding streets, dead ends, and steep ascents designed to confuse the enemy and provide shade in the heat.

  Iconic sites: The La Magdalena district (the oldest part of the city), foundations of the city walls, and the famous Arab Baths (Baños Árabes) in the Villardompardo Palace — an example of Almohad civil architecture.

• Gothic (13th–15th centuries):

  After the Christian conquest, mosques began to be rebuilt into churches. The style in Jaén is often intertwined with Mudejar elements or serves as a foundation for later structures.

  Iconic sites: Church of Santa Magdalena (Iglesia de la Magdalena), which preserves a Gothic portal and the structure of the old mosque, as well as some chapels of the Church of San Ildefonso.

• Renaissance (16th century):

  The "Golden Age" of Jaén's architecture. Thanks to the genius of architect Andrés de Vandelvira, the city acquired a majestic and solemn appearance. The style here is distinguished by a special purity of lines and scale, allowing Jaén to aspire to UNESCO World Heritage status.

  Iconic sites: The majestic Jaén Cathedral (Catedral de la Asunción) — a benchmark of the Spanish Renaissance that served as a model for cathedrals in Latin America. The Provincial Council building (Palacio Provincial) is also noteworthy.

• Baroque (17th–18th centuries):

  During this period, the strict forms of the Renaissance began to be adorned with lavish decor to emphasize the power of the church. Baroque in Jaén often manifests in the design of facades and altars.

  Iconic sites: The main facade of the Cathedral (work of Eufrasio López de Rojas), the Basilica of San Ildefonso with its impressive portal, and the Church of La Merced.

• Modernism and Regionalism (19th–20th centuries):

  With the growth of the bourgeoisie, the city expanded beyond the medieval walls. New districts (Ensanche) feature wide avenues and regular layouts. Architects began using glass, iron, and decorative ceramics.

  Iconic sites: Buildings on Bernabé Soriano Street (La Carrera), the Casino Primitivo, and the Mercado de Peñamefécit market.

Modern Development

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Jaén continued to expand northward. The city's modern architecture focuses on functionality and integration with the environment. A striking example is the Museo Íbero building and the University of Jaén campus, which have become new centres of attraction and cultural life.

Distinguished Figures Connected to Jaén

The history of Jaén is rich with names that have left a mark not only in the city's chronicles but also in the history of Spain and the world. Among them are outstanding diplomats, architects, and artists.

• Hasdai ibn Shaprut (c. 915–970)
  Physician, diplomat, and patron of sciences

  Born in Jaén into a Jewish family, he became one of the most influential figures at the court of the Cordoban Caliphs Abd al-Rahman III and Al-Hakam II. Ibn Shaprut contributed to the flourishing of the "Golden Age" of Jewish culture in Spain and translated important medical treatises into Arabic, including the works of Dioscorides.

• Yahya ibn al-Hakam, known as "Al-Ghazal" (770–864)
  Poet and diplomat

  A native of Jaén, nicknamed "The Gazelle" for his beauty and wit. He served as an ambassador for the Cordoban Emirs to Byzantium and the Normans, leaving behind vivid poetic works and travel notes valuable to historians.

• Miguel Lucas de Iranzo (d. 1473)
  Constable of Castile and politician

  Although not a native of the city, it was Iranzo who chose Jaén as his residence in the 15th century, turning it into a cultural and political centre. His rule is considered a period of flourishing knightly culture, festivities, and active construction in the city.

• Andrés de Vandelvira (1509–1575)
  Architect

  A genius of the Spanish Renaissance whose name is inextricably linked to the architectural appearance of the province. He dedicated a significant part of his life to the construction of the Jaén Cathedral, creating a masterpiece that served as a model for many temples in Latin America.

• Bernabé Soriano de la Torre (1842–1909)
  Physician and philanthropist

  A legendary figure for local residents. Known as the "father of the poor", he was famous for his selfless service and help to the needy. In gratitude, the city's main and most representative street bears his name — La Carrera de Bernabé Soriano.

• Manuel Ángeles Ortiz (1895–1984)
  Painter and graphic artist

  Born in Jaén, he became a prominent representative of the "Generation of '27" and a close friend of Federico García Lorca and Pablo Picasso. His works, combining cubism and lyricism, are recognized as an important contribution to the Spanish avant-garde of the 20th century.

• Fausto Olivares (1940–1995)
  Painter

  A renowned neo-expressionist painter whose work is highly valued in Europe. Olivares was born and formed as an artist in Jaén, and today his legacy is actively promoted through the city's museums and foundations.