Puente de Génave can be explored through three clearly distinct themes: the Guadalimar, historic bridges, and public art. The river runs through the town and forms several small waterfalls, including one in the town. There are also cultural activities and recurring events. When planning your trip, you can focus on the river, architectural history, art, or a scheduled event.
The Guadalimar and Two Bridges
The Guadalimar is not only a defining geographical feature: the river also appears in descriptions of the town’s bridges and works of art. The Puente Viejo, also known as the Puente Romano, is a stone bridge with a single, gently arched span over the Guadalimar. Its description emphasizes its material and form.
The Puente Nuevo was completed in 1889 as part of the road between Jaén and Albacete. Here, by contrast, the focus is on its origins in connection with a road route. The two bridges therefore offer different ways to discover Puente de Génave: one through its single stone arch, the other through its history of construction.
The Former La Vicaría Olive Oil Mill
The La Vicaría olive oil mill was built in 1910 by the Parra family. An olive oil mill machine from the early 20th century has been preserved and is open to visitors. Tourists can also visit the building; check the current visiting arrangements before your trip. This lets you connect a visit to the mill with its industrial history without assuming that the visiting arrangements have been confirmed.
The former mill is also home to the Sala de Exposición Santiago Ydáñez. When it opened, it housed an exhibition of works by local painter Santiago Ydáñez.
Sculptures in the Town
Since 2002, Puente de Génave’s Museo al Aire Libre has been enriched by a sculpture course and competition. The winning sculpture is installed in the town; individual editions may vary. As a result, art in the town is not limited to a single work, but also includes a recurring municipal program.
Two works reference the Guadalimar in different ways. The sculpture Escultura Niños Saltando by José Rios depicts children jumping into the river near the Puente Viejo. Trasiego Histórico by José Fernández Ríos consists of perforated iron plates and deals with the history of the people who have passed through Puente de Génave. The installation is on the railing of the stairs leading from the Puente Nuevo to the Guadalimar riverside promenade. Here, you can encounter both a specific river motif and an artistic exploration of the history of passage through the town.
Festivals and Summer Tours
The Fiestas del Emigrante take place on the second-to-last weekend in August. They are an opportunity to reunite with family and friends who live outside their hometown. The program includes summer dances and a water-pole competition in the Guadalimar. The exact program may vary each year; if you want to travel for the festival, check the dates and program for the relevant year.
The Feria Ecoliva follows a different schedule: it has been held in Puente de Génave every two to three years since 1997. It focuses on promoting and building connections around organic olive growing. As the event does not take place every year, confirm the next edition before your trip. In summer, the municipality also offers free guided tours from the town hall Monday through Friday, but only by prior reservation. Check availability and reservation details in advance.
A Hiking Route as Another Option
The linear PR-A 187 hiking trail is part of the Sierra de Segura trail network and connects Puente de Génave with Collado de la Piedra de la Alega. Check trail conditions and signage before setting out.
Guided tours require advance reservations, while the Feria Ecoliva takes place every two to three years. These differences can help you choose your travel dates to suit your preferred focus.
Discover more destinations: Beas De Segura, Mengibar, Bailén, Torreperogil, Jaén, Pontones, Arjona, Prados De Armijo.
For the broader travel overview: Jaen.
