CATHEDRAL

Flanked by its two towers, Jaén's imposing Renaissance cathedral is located on the Plaza de Santa Maria, but its silhouette marks the city's visual identity. And it is one of the highlights of Jaén's visit. Built of pink stones between the 15th and 18th centuries, it was designed by the great architect Andrés de Vandelvira, who was also responsible for other works in the province, such as in Úbeda or Baeza, whose initial design was only modified on the fringe by his successors.

Inside, there are works of great artistic value such as the sacristy, the chapter hall, the choir or the main chapel where the relic of the Holy Face is kept, the veil that Veronica, according to tradition, used to wipe Christ's face. This santo rostro is only visible on Fridays from 10am to 12pm and from 6pm to 7pm in summer and spring and from 5pm to 7pm in winter.

It is advisable to complete the visit of the cathedral by joining the high galleries that have been built there, with an access in the middle of the right part. Climbing a few stairs will allow you to enjoy a double view, on the one hand of the city and its surroundings and on the other hand of the interior of the cathedral itself. A striking point of view. The cathedral has been a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage status for some years now.

Its museum contains the Virgen de la cinta, a Renaissance altarpiece by Pedro de Machuca, and the Immaculate Conception preserved from original sin by Sebastián Martínez, a Spanish Baroque painter.