Jódar, Administrative division in Jaén Province, Spain
Jódar is a municipality in Jaén Province situated on hillsides at the foothills of the Sierra Mágina mountain range, with olive groves covering much of the surrounding land. The terrain varies in elevation, reaching up to 1500 meters in the higher areas.
The area was captured in 1231 by Christian forces under Sancho Martínez de la Torre following orders from King Fernando III during the Reconquista. This conquest represented a major shift in territorial control of the region.
The town has long been known for weaving esparto grass into useful items, especially parasols that sell across Europe. This craft tradition remains an important part of how people here work and what defines the community.
The Mediterranean climate brings warm summers and cold winters that shape daily life and farm work in the area. Visitors should prepare for these temperature shifts when planning a visit to explore the landscape.
The town stands as Europe's largest producer of handcrafted esparto goods, maintaining a craft that spans centuries. This unusual specialization makes it a singular center for this particular artisanal tradition across the continent.
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