Alcaudete, municipality of Spain
Alcaudete is a small municipality in Jaen Province located in the southwest in an area called Sierra Sur, where numerous olive groves shape the landscape. The region is crossed by several rivers and streams such as the Río San Juan and Río Víboras, which keep the soil fertile and green.
The history of Alcaudete reaches back into ancient times with traces of Roman settlements and even prehistoric inhabitants. During the Muslim period, the town experienced significant growth and became an important point protecting trade routes in the region.
The name Alcaudete comes from Arabic, meaning 'city of springs', reflecting the natural water sources that shaped settlement here. The mix of Moorish and Christian architectural styles visible throughout the town shows how different cultures left their mark on daily life and buildings.
The town is easily reached by car with good connections to other parts of Jaen Province. Most visitors can explore the castle and church on foot, though the streets are narrow and require slow, careful walking.
After the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa in the 13th century, this area continued to see exchanges between Christians and Muslims rather than one side completely displacing the other. This peaceful coexistence was unusual for the time and shaped local history in a remarkable way.
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