Santa Catalina Castle

Santa Catalina Castle is located on the summit of the hill of the same name, to the West of Jaén. From this place, the medieval walls that surround the city towards the North and East originate. 

It was formerly a Caliphal fortress that was built in the 9th century. This fortress was modified and expanded after the Christian conquest by Ferdinand III (1246). 

The result is the castle that has reached our days. It is also known as the New Alcázar. It is one of the three defensive enclosures that form the Castle of Jaén: Old Alcázar, New Alcázar, and Abrehuí. Its name comes from the Gothic chapel that was built inside it after its conquest (13th and 14th centuries), which is the Chapel of Saint Catherine of Alexandria. 

On its Western side is the Keep, which was already part of the old Arab fortress. It is accessed from the parade ground. Its layout is square and it is structured in three floors and a terrace. Its roofs are vaulted and rest on a central column. 

To the North of the castle, there are three other towers. Two of them are barbican towers - positioned ahead of the wall line - and the third is next to the access gate. A fifth tower is located at the easternmost end of the fortified enclosure and has a pentagonal layout. 

The southern perimeter has no towers. In this area, there is a postern or secondary door and a projecting structure housing a latrine.

In the parade ground, there are remains of several constructions, such as a bastion and two cisterns.
Due to the Napoleonic invasion in the 19th century, this castle underwent several reforms to reinforce its defensive structures.

Today, Santa Catalina Castle houses the Tourist Interpretation Centre. A space where the visitor can learn about the history of both the castle and the city of Jaén. 

From this vantage point, impressive panoramic views of Jaén and the surrounding landscape can be enjoyed. Additionally, there is a National Tourism Parador adjacent to it, which was built in 1965. As a hotel establishment, this Parador was included among the top ten castles in Europe to stay in, according to TripAdvisor users.