Castle of Santa Catalina

The Castle of Santa Catalina is a medieval fortress on Cerro de Santa Catalina hill in Jaén, featuring five defensive towers and a central keep. The Chapel of Saint Catherine is housed within one tower, and thick stone walls encircle the entire compound.

The fortress was originally built as a Moorish castle in the 8th century to serve as an Islamic stronghold. King Ferdinand III of Castile captured it in 1246 and transformed it into a Christian defensive position.

The fortress displays a blend of Islamic and Christian building styles that you can see in its walls and towers. Walking through the rooms, you notice how both traditions shaped the structure over time.

The site sits on a hilltop near the city center and offers views over Jaén. Sturdy shoes are advisable since the paths on the grounds are uneven and include stairs.

French general Charles de Gaulle worked on his memoirs here after the site was converted into a hotel. The location served him as an important retreat during his time away from France.

Location: Jaén

Accessibility: Wheelchair inaccessible

GPS coordinates: 37.76745,-3.79948

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:08