Linares is a town in the province of Jaén, surrounded by the Andalusian countryside and protected by the Sierra Morena mountains.
If you spend a holiday in Linares, you’ll be rewarded with the tranquillity of its streets and the friendliness of its people. The town also has a rich heritage of buildings and constructions of various styles and from different periods of great historical value. The visit starts at Plaza del Ayuntamiento, a square in the old town where you’ll find the town hall. This neoclassical building dating back to the 19th century possesses a beautiful central patio and a large portico with a clock.
Next to the town hall you’ll find the Real Casa de la Munición y la Moneda, the Royal House of Munition and Mint, which dates back to the 18th century. It’s an old factory that supplied the guerrillas with ammunition hidden in the firewood during the Spanish War of Independence. Its imposing façade with three archways preserves the royal coat of arms of Charles III of Spain and a mosaic of Santa Barbara, patron saint of miners.
Within walking distance, you’ll find another emblematic site: El Pósito. This former grain warehouse built between 1754 and 1757 was transformed into a prison in 1967 and, in 1975, became psycho-pedagogical college. Now it is home to the Raphael Museum, a cultural centre that exhibits more than 400 original pieces and documents by the artist. A must for all fans of this famous Spanish singer!
Cheap trips to Linares are the perfect excuse to take a break and visit some beautiful sites. As for religious buildings, the church of Santa María La Mayor, from the 13th century, was declared a historical-artistic monument in 1974. This Gothic-style temple was erected on the site of an old mosque, although the transept is Renaissance-style.
The majesty of the Neo-Gothic façade also makes the Hospital de los Marqueses de Linares a must-see. This monumental building, the chapel and crypt were all recently renovated to restore them to their original appearance. At night, the lighting brings out the beautiful architectural details that adorn the façade and the pinnacle of the central tower. Book one of our package deals to Linares now to enjoy all this and more!
