El Real de la Jara, the old fortress in the Sierra Morena
El Real de la Jara is located in the heart of Seville’s Sierra Morena region. A small mountain village with an old castle, known as a transit point for pilgrims travelling the Way of Saint James from Seville.
You will be impressed by the town’s unique landscapes in Sierra Norte Natural Park and its exquisite cuisine, based on Iberian pork products. You will love the cheeses and delicious artisan confectionery. Caldillo and guarrino frito are the two main traditional dishes.
Bring along your camera because the natural setting of El Real de la Jara and its monuments are worthy of the best photographs. The remains of its Castle, declared a Site of Cultural Interest, San Bartolomé Church and the Shrine to Los Remedios are part of its fascinating historical heritage.
Come and discover the charms of this old fortress during your visit.
Getting to El Real de la Jara
If you are travelling by car from Seville, the best route is the A-66 motorway. Take exit 747 to enter the A-5301 and continue until your destination.
Although there is no train station, you can travel by bus from Plaza de Armas Bus Station in Seville.
Getting around
El Real de la Jara has well-established hiking routes. You can take a leisurely stroll through the streets of the town and discover places that will surprise you.
Reasons to visit
- Visit the ruins of the Castle, enjoy its views and discover its legends.
- San Bartolomé Church is home to great treasures, such as the 'Las Ánimas’ painting by the baroque artist Francisco de Zurbarán.
- If you are a bullfighting enthusiast, the bullring built in the 19th century will take you back to the origins of this tradition.
- You can learn about the town’s history at the Natural Sciences Museum.
- Experience the geological and botanical workshops and tours at Ribera del Cala Interpretation Centre, a family-friendly activity. You will also learn about local traditions and culture.
- Stage 5 of the Way of Saint James on the Vía de la Plata connects El Real de la Jara with Monesterios (Badajoz).
What to see
Start your visit at Plaza de San Bartolomé and visit San Bartolomé Parish Church. Built in the Mudejar style, it houses the sculptures of San Bartolomé and the Virgen de los Remedios, the town’s patron saints. There is also a valuable painting by the baroque artist Francisco de Zurbarán, ‘Las Ánimas’.
Continue down Calle Cervantes towards the Shrine to Our Lady of Remedios. Legend has it that the caretaker of the church witnessed a miracle by the Virgin. If you want to find out more, you will have to visit it.
You can take the Castle Route from Calle Real. The route is one kilometre long and takes about 25 minutes to complete. The Castle is undoubtedly the town’s most significant tourist attraction. You can enjoy stunning views of the landscape around El Real de la Jara. Visit the Municipal Natural Sciences Museum to learn more about the town’s history. Another exciting attraction is the Taxidermy Museum, with a wide variety of stuffed animals, native to the area.
However, if you want to be in contact with nature, be sure to go to the Ribera del Cala Interpretation Centre. Located four kilometres from Real de la Jara, you can enjoy multiple outdoor activities, as well as craft workshops.
Places to visit
- El Real de la Jara Castle
- Shrine to Nuestra Señora de los Remedios
- San Bartolomé Parish Church
- Municipal Natural Sciences Museum
- Taxidermy Museum
- Ribera del Cala Interpretation Centre
Surroundings
El Real de la Jara is 76 kilometres from the city of Seville, in the west of the Sierra Morena region, bordering Huelva and Badajoz. Part of its municipal district is within the Sierra Morena Natural Park.
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