Navas de San Juan offers a variety of discoveries: architectural history in its churches and washhouse, traces of olive processing, and excursions into the countryside. When planning your trip, it is also worth checking the dates of the recurring Romerías. Each place and activity has its own focus, from architectural details to longer routes and natural areas.

Churches, Washhouse and Industrial History

The Iglesia de San Juan Bautista has its origins in the donation of the palatial Castillejo de los Benavides by Rodríguez de Benavides to the local parish priest in 1552. The church dates from the mid-16th century, and its construction phases span the 16th to 18th centuries. Architecturally, it is characterised by Andalusian Mannerism. This brings together a specific account of its origins and several centuries of architectural history in one building.

The Ermita de la Virgen de la Estrella stands on a 13th-century Arab fortress. It has three naves and a Camarín with paintings by the artist Palma Burgos. Las Pilas adds another kind of public building to the picture: the washhouse was already in existence in 1804 and comprises two covered halls, each with two rows of washbasins. Its layout can therefore be understood through the halls and the parallel rows of basins.

La Minilla also tells the story of processing agricultural raw materials. The industrial chimney dates from the late 19th century and is a reminder of a former factory. There, olive-mill pomace was processed to obtain oil and Orujillo. The church, washhouse and chimney thus represent different aspects of local history: religious architecture, public use and industry.

Romería and Olive Heritage

The Romería de la Virgen de la Estrella is celebrated every year from 1 to 3 May on the Llano de La Estrella. On 1 May, the pilgrimage includes a foot procession from Navas de San Juan to the Ermita. It features traditional Romero attire and decorated wagons, with participants travelling on foot and on horseback. As programme details may vary, check the specific dates before your trip.

The Centro de Interpretación del Aceite y el Olivar reopened in March 2023 after a major renovation as a permanent exhibition on Navas de San Juan’s agricultural heritage. The exhibition includes interactive touch applications, projections and video games. If you are planning a visit, check the visitor arrangements in advance.

Countryside and Routes

The Olvera natural area beside the Guadalimar River combines a diverse ecosystem with archaeological remains. It can be reached on foot or by car. A longer route through the heart of the Sierra Morena runs for 34 kilometres from the Ecoparque del Aceite y el Olivar to the 13th-century Castillo de Torrealver. The route can be covered on foot, on horseback or by car; local conditions and permissions may vary. Check these details in advance if you are including the route in your plans.

For an excursion on a different scale, old gypsum quarries lie about two kilometres from the town centre and can be visited and explored. Check local access and cave conditions before setting out. A hill rising to 863 metres offers views over the municipality. These options differ in length and type of activity—from the riverside natural area to the quarries and the elevated viewpoint.

Green Spaces and Local Dishes

Parque del Hondillo has a large children’s play area, a zip line and a climbing wall. Mirador de los Calerines is a green space in the upper part of the municipality, equipped with benches, picnic tables and outdoor exercise equipment. These two places offer practical options for play, a break and exercise without the need to plan a longer hike.

Two dishes can also be distinguished by their ingredients and flavours. Calandrajos is a stew reminiscent of gazpacho manchego, with distinctive notes of mint. Roscos de sartén are pastries made from flour-based dough, with notes of lemon or orange. These culinary details add another way to experience the destination alongside its architecture and landscapes.

Discover more destinations: Porcuna, Torreperogil, Rus, El Almicerán, Siles, Chilluévar, Campillo De Arenas, Marmolejo

For the main travel overview: Jaen.