Photography, Baroque and history
Photography, sacred architecture and archaeological traces offer different ways to explore the history of Cabra Del Santo Cristo. The Casa-Museum Arturo Cerdá y Rico celebrates photography, the Iglesia Nuestra Señora de la Expectación represents Andalusian Baroque, and the Castillo reflects earlier settlement phases and surviving structures. Nature and geology add to these cultural themes. When planning your visit, you can consider whether exhibitions, church architecture or the history of the castle should be the main focus.
The Casa-Museum Arturo Cerdá y Rico is a photography interpretation centre with three exhibition rooms. It is housed in a restored modernist building dating from 1900, which is dedicated to photography. The permanent exhibition includes cameras from the early 20th century to the present day. The cultural programme and exhibition content may evolve. The building’s history and cameras from different periods thus offer two perspectives on photography.
Since 1637, the Iglesia Nuestra Señora de la Expectación has also served as a sanctuary for Santo Cristo de Burgos. The parish church and sanctuary are an example of Andalusian Baroque and were built in the 16th and 17th centuries. The dates refer to different aspects: 1637 marks the start of its additional role as a sanctuary, while the 16th and 17th centuries indicate its construction period. The church is also designated a Bien de Interés Cultural.
At the Castillo de Cabra del Santo Cristo, settlement history and architectural remains sit side by side. The castle is of Roman origin; Muslim and Christian settlements were established there later. The Christian phase is dated to the 13th century. The polygonal ground plan describes the shape of the site, and remains of three towers have survived. A section of the castle wall almost 20 metres long also remains today between the northeastern and northwestern towers.
Nature and geological features
The area around Paraje del Nacimiento is well suited to a day trip into the countryside and to enjoying nature. Marine fossils such as ammonites and belemnites may be visible on the surface at Puente de Tierra. Two route options are described: a circular route of about 17 km or an out-and-back route of around 12 km. They therefore differ both in route type and approximate length. Check local facilities and terrain and route conditions before planning your trip.
Cerro de Cabeza Montosa is a geologically interesting area associated with submarine volcanic activity. The geological themes therefore differ: marine fossils may be visible at Puente de Tierra, while Cerro is notable for its connection to volcanic activity beneath the sea.
Plan visits and dates
Guided tours of notable buildings and places in the municipality are available. Availability and access may vary; if such a tour is important to your plans, check in advance whether it is possible. The Fiestas Patronales in honour of Santo Cristo de Cabra take place from 14 to 18 August. If travelling during this period, check that year’s programme so you can plan your visit accordingly.
Discover more destinations: Bedmar, Jaén, Sabariego, Torres, Fuensanta De Martos, Torres De Albánchez, Puente De Génave, Vilches.
For the overview of the wider area: Jaen.
