Santa Elena

Despeñaperros Natural Park

The Despeñaperros Natural Park is a magnificent sheer-walled rocky river gorge that forms the backdrop of the most dramatic gateway into Andalucia. As the only natural break in the 500km-long Sierra Morena, it used to be one of the main routes into Andalucia from the north and Madrid. Today it is occupied by the A4 motorway and the Cadiz-Madrid railway line.

Santa Elena

The staute to Carlos III in Santa Elena

Santa Elena is the closest town to the famous "Gateway to Andalucia" at Despeñaperros Pass. It is also the most northerly village in Jaen province (and Andalucia) when leaving or arriving in the region on the A4 Madrid motorway.

Weather - Santa Elena

Santa Elena

Santa Elena - if you are considering visiting this town you will be interested to check the latest weather forecast for the next few days from the table below.

This weather forecast provided by AEMET (Spanish State Meteorological Agency).

'Wind' in last row of the table below indicates wind direction by a compass letter(s); North, South, East, West and a number which is the the wind speed in km per hour.

Tourist office - Santa Elena

The tourist office of Santa Elena is located in the Town Hall.
Dinamización Turística de Santa Elena – Activa T, Plaza Constitución, 13, 1°. Santa Elena
23213

Tel: 627 60 42 90

Opening Times

Bus Services - Santa Elena

There are bus services from Santa Elena to Jaén, Bailén, La Carolina, Carboneros, Guarromán, Mengíbar and Navas de Tolosa, using the company Samar.

Escuela de la Naturaleza Las Nogueras

The school complex is situated in the beautiful heart of the Natural Park and provides opportunities for environmental education, rural tourism and recreation. The activities on offer here include hiking, workshops in nature, bread and perfume, horse riding, fruit orchards, a zip line, sports, gymkhanas, cooperative games, climbing, archery, swimming, cultural visits and mountain cycling.

Castillo de Castro Ferral

The only remains of this castle are a rammed earth tower built by the Muslims prior to the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa. In 1169, this castle was conquered by Calatravo Knights commanded by Fernando de Icaza, second Master of the Order.

Cueva de los Muñecos

The cave known as Cueva de los Muñecos (Cave of the Dolls) is located in one of the most rugged spots in the Sierra Morena, within the Despeñaperros Natural Park. It sits in a ravine between huge blocks of stone.

Museo Batalla de las Navas de Tolosa 1212

The Museum of the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa presents, in an original and educational way, the historical events of a battle that changed the course of history.

Ayuntamiento

In the original building, the local policeman and his family lived on the ground floor, with municipal offices above and the jail at the rear. It was rebuilt in 1991, retaining the double façade. The metal bell assembly is a modern recreation of the original design.

Antiguo Pósito

During the colonization of the area (see La Carolina), the 1768 Agricultural Reform Bill for Andalusia stated that each northern European settler family receive a house with 33 hectares of land.

Iglesia de la Emperatriz Santa Elena

This colonial-style church dates from 1793 the period when the Nuevas Poblaciones were founded in this area, including La Carolina. It was built on the site of the original chapel, erected by order of King Alfonso VIII to celebrate the victory of the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa in 1212

Ermita de la Veracruz

During the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa, it was considered a Miracle that the cross, carried in the vanguard in combat by the canon Don Domingo Pascual de Almoguera accompanied by a small escort of Knights, was not captured or destroyed by the Arabs .

History - Santa Elena

The area has been inhabited since prehistoric times, as evidenced by 5,000-year-old local cave paintings, which were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. Unfortunately, these paintings in Cueva de los Escolares have suffered serious damage.

Subscribe to Santa Elena