Arjona is a place where the past is felt in every corner. Located in the countryside of Jaén, this ancient city has been home to Iberians, Romans, Muslims and Christians. Cradle of King Alhamar, founder of the Nasrid dynasty of Granada, Arjona preserves an impressive monumental and cultural legacy.
Strolling through its cobblestone streets is to discover legends, art and architecture, and at the end of the day, nothing better than resting and savoring its gastronomy in the lodgings and restaurants of DLJ Groupyour perfect starting point to explore it.
Arjona, a historic center that tells a thousand stories
The visit we propose begins at the Town Hall of Arjona, a nineteenth-century building that keeps inside the Sala de la Antigua Alcaldía, a fascinating example of neo-Islamic art, with a decoration inspired by the Nasrid, Caliphate and Mudejar tradition. In the courtyard is the enigmatic Templar Tombstone, a geometric mystery carved in marble that has inspired novels and literary tourist routes.
From there, you can walk to the Antemuro del Alcázar and its Interpretation Space, where the pre-Roman and Islamic walls come to life thanks to panels and augmented reality that explain how Arjona was a fortified square of great importance.
Nearby stands the Church of Santa Maria del Alcazar, an Elizabethan Gothic temple erected on the old mosque, whose structure resembles a fortress. Its interior holds the memory of centuries of history, including the presence of the famous Templar Baphomet engraved on one of its facades.
Temples, crypts and relics
The route continues at the Sanctuary of the Sacred Relics, a baroque temple and religious museum that houses the remains of St. Bonoso and St. Maximiano, patron saints of the city. The crypt, used as an auditorium, hosts cultural and literary events, while the upper floor houses relics and works of sacred art.
Not to be missed is the City of Arjona Museum Collection, located in the former Casa del Rey, where archaeological and ethnological pieces show the evolution of the municipality from Prehistory to the Contemporary Age. Full-scale reproductions, audiovisuals and workshops such as “Archaeologist for a day” make this visit educational and entertaining.
Another unique place is the Neo-Byzantine Crypt of the Baron de Velasco, under the Church of San Juan Bautista, with its golden mosaics, marble sculptures and unique decoration in Andalusia.
Streets with soul and hidden symbols, that’s Arjona.
A stroll through the Jewish Quarter, with its intact medieval layout, reveals the Menorah, a Hebrew candelabrum that recalls the coexistence of cultures in the Middle Ages. Next to it, the Stone of Wishes keeps a magical tradition: touching it on the night of Midsummer or under the full moon, they say, attracts health and happiness.
Arjona also pays tribute to its most illustrious son, King Alhamar, with a monument commemorating the founder of the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada. Nearby, the Almohad Aljibe, restored and museumized, shows medieval Islamic engineering in the heart of the historic center.
The Church of San Martin de Tours and the Church of Nuestra Señora del Carmen, rebuilt after the Civil War, remain spiritual and cultural landmarks, while the Alwin van der Linde Olive Grove Park transforms art and forging into a tribute to the efforts of the land and its people.
Arjona from the heights
Known as the “Balcony of the Jiennense countryside”, Arjona has several viewpoints that offer spectacular views over a sea of olive trees. The Mirador del Cementerio de los Santos and the Mirador de la Plaza del Rey Alhamar show the immensity of the Guadalquivir valley and the surrounding mountain ranges. Other viewpoints, such as those of Calle Sol and Calle Adarve, offer unique perspectives of the urban and rural landscape.
Where to sleep in Arjona
Exploring Arjona in depth requires a good place to stay, and at Grupo DLJ we have several options with the perfect balance between comfort, location and friendly service:
- Ben Nassar Arjona GuesthouseDouble and family rooms, buffet or continental breakfast, own restaurant and a warm atmosphere.
- Hostal Desde la Judería ArjonaThemed accommodation with historical details, Wi-Fi and air conditioning, located in the medieval quarter.
- DLJ Arjona Center I and IIApartments: modern and spacious apartments with fully equipped kitchen, living room, air conditioning and Wi-Fi, ideal for families or longer stays with total independence.
Where to eat in Arjona
Gastronomy is part of the trip, so if you are looking for restaurants in Arjona restaurants in Arjona that combine tradition and local products you can’t miss:
- Cafeteria Chuchy, perfect for breakfast or tapas with a family atmosphere.
- Piquía Restaurant, specialized in seasonal cuisine and creative dishes with Andalusian essence.
Arjona is waiting for you
Arjona is not only a place to visit, it is a town to live calmly, to discover little by little and to savor with all the senses. Its millenary history, its monumental corners and its unique landscapes are best enjoyed when you rest and eat well.
With DLJ Group, you will have the perfect base for your getaway: central, comfortable accommodations adapted to your needs, and a local gastronomy that will make your trip unforgettable.
Discover Arjona, explore its past and live its essence with Grupo DLJ.
