The best traffic-free bike rides around Jimena

Declared a National Monument in 1931, the cathedral stands on the site of an ancient Roman temple, later transformed into a Visigothic structure and then into a mosque after the arrival of the Muslims. In 1227, it became the cathedral seat under the Marian patronage of the Nativity. It acquired its Renaissance character in the 16th century, after more than half of the building collapsed in 1567. Andrés de Vandelvira and other important Andalusian architects imbued the cathedral with the classical style then prevalent in religious art. Until the end of the century, the temple was transformed piecemeal. The main portal was designed in 1587 by Juan Bautista Villalpando, featuring a relief of the Nativity of the Virgin, sculpted by the Jesuit Jerónimo del Prado from Baeza. The Puerta de la Luna (Moon Gate) is one of the oldest elements of the cathedral, with its distinctive 13th-century polylobed arch. Above it stands the 14th-century Gothic rose window, one of the few elements that survived the collapse of the cathedral in 1567. Therefore, the reconstruction was entrusted to Andrés de Vandelvira, who contributed his mastery to give the cathedral the Renaissance richness it boasts today. The combination of Mudéjar, Gothic, and Renaissance styles allows one to observe the passage of time through its walls, telling its story through each of its architectural styles. In addition to visiting the interior of the cathedral, it is highly recommended to climb the tower, from where you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the town and its surrounding countryside.

Opposite the Jabalquinto Palace stands the Church of Santa Cruz, one of the few Romanesque churches in all of Andalusia. Built in the 13th century, after the conquest of the Upper Guadalquivir Valley by Ferdinand III, it preserves remnants of 15th and 16th-century frescoes.

Plaza del Pópulo, also known as Plaza de los Leones, is one of Baeza's most iconic and picturesque spots. This square is part of the Renaissance monumental complex that earned the city a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003.

The Castillo de Bedmar, also known as the Castillo Nuevo de Bedmar, is a historic fortress located in the municipality of Bedmar y Garcíez in the province of Jaén, Spain. The castle was originally built in the 15th century by the Order of Santiago and served as a defensive bastion against the invasions of the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada. The castle is located in a strategic location in the Sierra Mágina, which made it an important border fortress during the Middle Ages. It has a rich history of conflict between Christian and Muslim rulers, changing hands several times. Today the castle is in a state of disrepair, but it remains a fascinating example of medieval military architecture.

The Parque Natural de Sierra Mágina is a spectacular natural area in the province of Jaén, between Jaén and Granada. The park covers approximately 19,900 hectares, lies at an altitude of between 700 and 2,167 metres above sea level and is known for its rugged limestone mountains, deep gorges and picturesque valleys.

Jimena is a small town in the south of the province, on the northern side of the Sierra Mágina, located in a landscape of olive groves, fruit trees, allotments and sierra. The town is particularly known for its figs and brebas. The municipality is divided into two very different areas: there is the mountainous south-eastern area that is part of the Sierra Mágina Natural Park, and the rest of the municipality is agricultural land dedicated to olives.

It's fun to climb the tower: 196 steps to a beautiful view.

This square, known as Plaza del Pópulo, houses the Tourist Office, the fountain and the Jaén Gate, attached to part of the old city wall.