Castillo de Santa Catalina

We were staying at the Parador, largely as it was so close to the castle. I was intending to walk around the outside early in the morning but it was wet and windy when we got up. Entrance was €3.50 and the wind had really picked up so we joined a few other visitors, hats and raincoats sticking to our bodies as we dodged from tower to tower to avoid the driving rain.
Each tower had exhibitions about the castle and there was an AV presentation, in Spanish. It showed how the Moorish city grew and there were two castles built as the city expanded. The Christians then extended the walls and built additional towers and the French demolished parts of the old castle when they left Spain after the Peninsular War.
We saw the prisons where the French kept Spanish guerillas before executing them and there was information on Teresa and the politics of the area after Ferdinand III captured it from the Moslems. The weather put us off spending too long outside but the wildflowers in the centre would have been beautiful in the sunlight and the views, even with the cloud, wind and rain were stupendous.

Absolutely amazing views from this fascinating castle. Loads of history to be learned here. You can guide yourself and/or get a talk from one of the guides/staff.
Nice walk to the edge of the hill with an enormous cross - fab overlook. Nice place for a rocky picnic.
Free parking.

Really amazing castle. Best castle we have been to for kids...it's big enough to spend an hour or two. Only a few sections had stairs that my 3 year old had a hard time with. The views of Jaen were beautiful and not to be missed! You can also walk to the cross before you enter for a spectacular view of the cathedral and bull ring.

Really nice castle with beautiful view.

This place is nice. You will definitely have a good time especially with kids.

An interesting castle, with some exhibits and views of Jaen. Parking is located nearby, just past the hotel parking.

Perched high above the city, an impessive fortress.Can walk all around the battlements. Rough underfoot.Very steep drive up to it.

Great place for visiting. Nice area and easy access. It has a lot of history and the tour is very informative. The prices is around 3€ per person and you can listen to the history of every area or room.

A great tourist attraction over looking Jaen, stunning views in all directions. The castle itself has an interesting history with the moors and Napoleon's army. There is also a hotel in the complex should the need for a bed arise. There is also a walking trail from Jaen to the castle if that be your thing

As well as the Parador and castle there is a walkway to a huge monumental cross with stunning views of the city, olive groves and mountains beyond.

Very nice view over the city. Cheap admission. An interesting explanation about the history of the city. I recommend.

Strategic and complicated castle overlooking Jaen. There were 3 castles originally of which only 1 remains...the other 2 being demolished for building materials for the expensive hotel next door...
The castle is Islamic Christian and Napoleonic. In process of restoration to the Islamic early version. Steep of access and probably hard for mobility impaired to move around..a tourist told me that if the plague didn't kill you then the steep tower stairs would...
Quite small but very well described with excellent signage and audio displays. Well worth a visit. Toilets on site but no shop and with a single broken drink machine. Superb views of Jaen and the mountains- explains exactly why a castle was perched up here on its rock...

Great views. Well preserved and restored small castle. All explained in English and Spanish via signage. Part of perhaps 400 castles and towers in the area. Friendly staff. We took a taxi up and walked down. You can visit most areas. Note the Parador Hotel next door is closed for rebuilding.

One of the beautiful places in Jaen.

If you come to this small charming town. You must visit Castillo de Santa Catalina.

You can go there on foot or by car. I went up there by walk for the first time in October, along a hiking trail with a beautiful view of nature.

There were not many people, but you must understand that this is a popular place.
So to take a photo with a view of all Jaen, you need to wait ..(a little bit, but it's worth it)

In the evening this place is very romantic! If you come with your soulmate - go there when the whole city is immersed in sunset

Really amazing place. Must go during sunset 🌅

Wonderful experience! Very pretty place with wonderful views and lovely staff.

The Castillo de Santa Catalina has three wonderfull aspects:
1. It's a small hike to go there which is perfect for hiking-beginners.
2. The view over Jaén is awesome in the morning for sunrise (where this foto is taken), afternoon or evening for sunset
3. You can enter the castillo and see it from the inside for only a couple of euros.

Definitly worth checking out when you are in Jaén!

Love this place on tope of the Jaen. Spectacular view and great stories about history of this place! All recommendations!

I have visited my castles and fortresses in Europe. This one offers the most spectacular view, 360°C , to the city and to the mountain. Easy and enjoyable walking/climbing inside and outside the fortress wall...if you are visiting Jaen, reserve an afternoon of your time to visit this place.

Great view over the city and the valley with all it's olive trees. The castle itself requires an entrance fee, but you can walk around the castle without entering it.