Arroyo Del Ojanco brings together the broad Guadalimar floodplain, a striking natural landmark and Roman heritage. The Olivo de Fuentebuena is a local landmark and has been designated a Natural Monument by the Junta de Andalucía. The landscape, trails, local history and vibrant traditions offer a range of ways to tailor your stay to your interests.
River Landscape and Olivo de Fuentebuena
The town lies on a broad plain in the Guadalimar floodplain. The Guadalmena and Guadalimar rivers cross the municipal area. Along the Guadalimar, the floodplain landscape, flat terrain and abundant water shape the scenery in the orographic region of the Sierra de Segura. River landscapes and level terrain sit alongside the paths that wind through the area.
A particularly distinctive landmark is the Olivo de Fuentebuena: the tree stands ten metres tall and its trunk measures more than four metres in circumference. From the town centre, take the local JV-7.005 road towards Beas de Segura. After the Prados de Armijo junction, the olive tree is about 50 metres from the road. This location is different from the starting point of the Sendero Olivo Milenario Fuentebuena Arroyo del Ojanco, which begins in the town centre at the junction of Calle Carretera and JA-9114.
Trails with Different Starting Points
There are several trails to choose from, and their locations are easy to distinguish. The Sendero Olivo Milenario begins right in the town centre. The section of the Camino Natural Vía Verde del Renacimiento near Arroyo Del Ojanco can be reached via the N-322; its starting point is about two kilometres from the town. The N-322 also passes through the built-up area.
The Vía Verde de Segura, in turn, runs through the municipal area and is suitable for walkers and cyclists thanks to its gentle gradient, with no steep inclines or difficult-to-access sections. Just before Arroyo Del Ojanco, it crosses the Guadalimar. Its route also passes through several Sites of Community Importance (LIC) and overlaps with the Parque Natural de las Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y las Villas. For orientation, the key points are the starting locations mentioned above and each route’s connection to the river landscape; the routes differ in their course and proximity to the town.
Roman Heritage and Church Architecture
The Villa Romana de Los Baños was a late-imperial Roman villa used for agriculture and featuring exceptional mosaics. Following emergency excavations, the archaeological site is currently covered with a layer of earth. The visitable Centro de Interpretación de la Cultura Romana presents Arroyo Del Ojanco’s Roman heritage through reproductions, information panels, projections and a replica archaeological excavation. Visits must be arranged in advance. The centre comprises two rooms and a central courtyard; its outdoor area serves as a venue for performances.
The Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción dates from the early 20th century and was restored in the mid-1950s. Its façade features a ceramic altarpiece. The entrance has a pointed arch framed by exposed brick, with three round-arched openings above it. The bell tower is also clearly divided: the clock is in the first section, and the belfry, surrounded by a frame and topped with a hipped roof, is in the second.
Festivals, Games and Local Traditions
The Fiestas del Toro Ensogado in honour of San Marcos take place from 22 to 25 April. They are preceded by a traditional pilgrimage on the first Sunday in April, organised by the Hermandad de San Marcos. Local musical and dance traditions include Los Cristos and jota dances, accompanied in unison by guitar, lute, bandurria and violin. Bolos serranos is a traditional outdoor game and sport played from March to November.
Local cuisine and crafts also offer a glimpse into local traditions. Pastoral cuisine includes tortas de pastor, Andrajos, Galianos and Easter hornazos. Segureño lamb is served as chops, in stews and as a leg of lamb. Crafts include esparto grass and woodwork, as well as textiles and handmade items.
Discover more destinations: Úbeda, Las Escuelas, Castellar, Jaén, Bedmar, Alcalá La Real, Santiago De Calatrava, Ventas del Carrizal.
For the broader travel overview: Jaen.
