The first evidence that exists of the original structure and seed of Basílica Menor de la Sacra Iglesia Parroquial de San Ildefonso dates back to 1248, when it was created as a chapel for serving the Cathedral. Two centuries later, in 1430, it became the scene of a famous miraculous event: the descent of the Virgin Mary to the city of Jaén. After this event, the building became a shrine dedicated to the Virgin of the Chapel and homage was paid to the image of her found inside it. In the sixteenth century, the Virgin of the Chapel was named patron saint of Jaén.

The old University of Santo Domingo de Jaén, also known as the Old Royal Convent and University of Santa Catalina Mártir de Padres Dominicos, Old Royal Convent of Santo Domingo-University of Santa Catalina Mártir, or Colegio de Santo Domingo, is founded on a Moorish palace that was once owned by the governors of the Cora de Jaén, and ceded by King Juan I to the friars of the Order of Preachers in 1382.

The Palacio de la Diputación building is considered the main work of civil architecture in the city and was built in 1891. Today was not the first time that the Diputación (provincial government) occupied this site.

The house was acquired by Don Miguel Lucas de Iranzo and became his place of residence in 1462.  He carried out extensive works that completely transformed it into a  sumptuous Mudejar palace.

The Arab Baths known as, Hamman al-Walad (‘Bath of the Child’ in Arabic), are located in the basements of the Villardompardo Palace. They have a surface area of 450m², and are probably the largest in Spain and are visited by more than 55,000 people a year.

Nearly a fifth of Andalucia is protected, the largest proportion of an autonomous region in Spain, reflecting the unspoilt nature of its countryside and the high ecological importance of its territory. The environment department, the Consejería de Medio Ambiente, of the regional Andalucian government is in charge of overseeing the protected areas.

Andalucía is a birdwatcher's paradise and attracts ornithologists throughout the year. The best time of the year, however, is during the spring, as this is when you can see many wintering species, together with those arriving for the summer months.

The hermitage is located in the Plaza de la Oscuridad, in the rear courtyard of a house owned for years by the Ponce de León family. Thanks to a scheme by the City Council, and with the collaboration of its current owner, Fernando Ponce de León, the hermitage has opening times for public access. This was permitted after Mr Ponce de León restored the building with the help of some architects.

This ninth-century cave hermitage, carved into the rock face, has remained hidden from visitors until recently. Today, it is still used for religious purposes by the Brotherhood of the Virgen de la Cabeza. The town of Ronda continues to celebrate a pilgrimage on behalf of the Virgen de la Cabeza that incorporates a visit to the site.

One of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Seville, San Luis de los Franceses (known simply as San Luis) is an extravagantly decorated circular church in the Macarena district.

There are many ways to spend your time in Andalucía, from outdoor activities like whale watching, to guided tours of historic cities and numerous museums and art galleries. Here is a selection with online ticketing.

The castle of Jimena de la Frontera is the village’s most impressive and culturally significant monument, both for the amazing views from its grounds and the top of its keep, and for the rich history of the site. Declared a National Monument in 1931, the castle stands strategically on the “Cerro de San Cristobal” (the Hill of Saint Christopher), on the west side of the village.

The Museo Ibero (Iberian Museum) is located in Jaen city and is dedicated to the prehistoric Iberian culture of Spain. Intended to raise city's profile, on a regional, national and international level, it is the only museum celebrating this pre-Roman civilisation, and has the largest collection of Iberian art in the world.

"Los Encuentros de Arte del Valle del Genal"is a bi-annual summer art festival which takes place in Genalguacil, near Gaucin in Malaga province. What does the festival consist of? During the festival, which happens in the first two weeks of August in even years, prize-winning works of art created by 'Artists in residence' are displayed in the streets.

The Museo de Arte de la Diputación de Estepona opened in February 2018 and is known as MAD for short. It exhibits 49 paintings from 21st century Spanish artists. Artists include Dadi Dreucol, Enrique Brinkmann and Chema Lumbreras.

In Andalucia many monuments are important historical, architectural and cultural landmarks. Here is our list of Andalucia top 40 attractions, how many have you visited?

Marbella has a family friendly tren turistico (tourist train) that runs all year round. It travels around the principal sights of the town taking about 25 minutes.

We offer selected guided tours to walk the Caminito del Rey with transport from Marbella, Fuengirola, Torremolinos, Malaga or Nerja. These are ideal if you do not have a hire car since getting there by train or bus is limited.

The official starting point of the Camino de Rey access path is on the country road MA-444 (which branches off the MA-5403 6km east of Ardales) just south where it crosses over the Conde de Guadalhorce Dam by the Sillon del Rey (King's seat) a stone seat where King Alfonso XIII signed off the dam in 1926, It is near a popular roadside restaurant called "El Kiosko".

This romantic hotel in a converted Renaissance palace boasts an impressive façade with a famous tower, and equally beautiful interiors. The main patio has marble columns and a wooden first-floor balcony covered with a glass ceiling, and you can also see artesonado carved wood ceilings,making it one of the most importantbuildings architecturally in Jaen province.