Baños De La Encina offers two clearly distinct areas to focus on when planning a trip: the architectural history of the historic centre and trails linked to woodland, olive growing and the Embalse del Rumblar. The historic centre was protected as a historic-artistic ensemble in 1969. Those interested in architecture can explore different periods and styles here.

Architectural history and historic traces

The parish church of Iglesia de San Mateo was built in the last third of the 15th century, with a Gothic nave. Its main portal was added later: it was designed in the Mannerist style in 1576. These two dates make the church’s architectural history easy to distinguish chronologically, without conflating the building phases into a single period.

Castillo de Burgalimar was completed in 968 on the orders of Caliph al-Hakam. It has fourteen towers with an almost square ground plan. There may originally have been fifteen: the last may have been replaced in the 15th century by the large keep that stands today. This uncertainty is part of how the number of towers is interpreted; the possibility should not be taken as a confirmed original count.

Mining is also part of the area’s history. During the Roman period, Cerrillo del Plomo was one of the most productive mines and one of Spain’s most important sites for galena. The permanent exhibition “Historias al viento”, designed by José María Cantarero, covers topics including the types and development of windmills, the connection between Baños De La Encina and the mills, and work related to grain. It also presents routes in the area around the town.

Trails, woodland and bodies of water

The municipal area of Baños De La Encina is included in the Sierra de Andújar Natural Park. The trail descriptions have different points of focus: the Geosendero de la Pizarrilla starts near the football ground in the town centre and leads into the Dehesa del Santo Cristo public woodland, which lies within the LIC Cuencas del Rumblar, Guadalén y Guadalmena (ES 6160008). A circular section runs along the edge of the town centre; a turn-off offers views of the Embalse del Rumblar.

Part of the Sendero Del Bronce runs alongside the Embalse del Rumblar, offering views of its waters. An alternative route leads to the Fortín de Migaldías, a territorial control fort associated with mining in the basin during the Bronze Age. This gives the trail a different historical focus from the Roman-era mining history of Cerrillo del Plomo.

The Sendero El Rumblar runs from the Embalse del Rumblar and the Colonia del Rumblar settlement to Los Escoriales. It passes through woodland, areas of dryland farming and olive cultivation, as well as dehesa landscapes. The trail starts beside the dam; from Baños De La Encina, take the JH-5044 to get there. A guided hike of just under three kilometres to Peñalosa follows the Vereda de las Aguas, running parallel to the Embalse del Rumblar. Check in advance whether it is currently available.

Another trail with historic connections is the Camino “Romano”, also known as the Real del Puerto del Rey. More than 200 metres of a paved road and a small stone bridge remain along its route through Baños De La Encina. The trail adds an example of historic infrastructure to the church and castle architecture; surface conditions may vary.

Visits and seasonal events

The municipal tourist information office organises visits to Baños De La Encina and its old town, monumental and experience-focused tours, hiking and archaeology routes, canoe trips on the Rumblar, and evening and theatrical visits. As dates and programmes may change, it is advisable to ask about the current offer before your visit.

The Museo del Territorio occupies the two upper floors of the municipal tourist information building. It can be reached by lift or stairs; check the current access options before your visit. La Candelaria is celebrated on 2 February with large bonfires made from olive-tree prunings. The exact programme may vary.

Discover more destinations: Segura De La Sierra, Quesada, Prados De Armijo, Cazorla, Torres, Andújar, La Carrasca, Castellar.

For the main travel overview: Jaen.