We invite you to enter the province of Jaén through eight literary routes. An initial proposal that you can combine with the many other Jaen tourist offers of culture, heritage, nature or gastronomy.
Eight proposals with authors of universal dimension that are grouped into five historical moments: Pre-Renaissance (Jorge Manrique), Mystics (Santa Teresa de Jesús and San Juan de la Cruz), Generation of 98 (Antonio Machado), Generation of 27 (Federico García Lorca , and Miguel Hernández), and Contemporaries (Juan Eslava Galán and Antonio Muñoz Molina). Great writers united by a common factor: the lands of Jaén, its landscape, its people, its traditions and its history.
These “literary routes through the province of Jaén” allow you to travel the territory of the province through its literary walks, combining the geographical environment where the authors produce their work, were inspired or influenced by heritage and historical context.
The brief but intense stay in our land the poet from Orihuela and his emotional bond with it left us unforgettable poems and allows us to follow his trail in Jaén capital, Andújar, Lopera and, above all, in the Miguel Hernández-Josefina Manresa Museum in her native town, Quesada.
We can also venture to Sierra de Segura, where the classic poet and author of “Verses on the Death of His Father”, Jorge Manrique, was born, whose memory still lives on in Segura de la Sierra and Chiclana de Segura. Follow the footsteps of Santa Teresa de Ávila and San Juan de la Cruz through the nearby town of Beas de Segura. Continue through Baeza, Andújar and Jaén accompanied by the mystic and visit in Úbeda the cell of the old convent from where he sang Matins to Heaven. Rediscover the fields of Baeza and the city shrouded in mist from the hand of the poet and wonderer, Antonio Machado, without forgetting his time in Quesada. Unveil in Baeza and Jaén the musical facet of Federico García Lorca, a regular at intellectual gatherings of the time. And we will be able to immerse in the literary universe of the Mágina de Muñoz Molina in Úbeda and know the stories and Templar legends that surround every corner of Arjona, collected in the work of its illustrious countryman Juan Eslava Galán.
A wide tourist-literary offer in the province of Jaén with museums and heritage spaces, guided visits, activities, events and gastronomy to rediscover Jaén following the footsteps of our most prestigious poets and storytellers.
Jorge Manrique Literary Route
The famous author of the Verses on the death of his Father, occupies a prominent place in the history of Spanish literature and the province of Jaén offers you an interesting literary route that will conquer you following the footsteps of a poet-warrior for “one one of the most beautiful towns in Spain ”, with views reaching up to four provinces! and touring a UNESCO World Heritage city. A landmark you don’t want to miss!
Literary Route of Santa Teresa de Jesúss
The province of Jaén is delighted to have a strong bond with Santa Teresa de Jesús, a woman ahead of her time, for her reforming work of the Order of Carmel, where she founded the Convent of the Discalced Carmelites of San José del Salvador in Beas de Segura. The locality and its people hold and make a great impression on the saint, a land “very delightful and of good temper” … as surely, it will cause on you.i.
Literary Route of San Juan de la Cruz
San Juan de la Cruz’s itinerary in the province of Jaén has focused on five municipalities: Beas de Segura, where he was confessing and spiritually directing the nuns of the Discalced Carmelite Monastery; in Baeza, where he founded the Discalced Convent-College of Carmelo (Colegio de San Basilio) and became its first Rector; in Úbeda, where he died; and in Andújar and in Jaén, where manuscript codices of the mythical poet are preserved
Literary Route of Antonio Machado
Antonio Machado is one of the most emblematic poets of the Generation of 98 and it is in the province of Jaén where he forged the most important, fruitful and complete stage of his literary production. On this route you can replicate the itinerary that would attract the attention of the poet on his walks or excursions to discover the sources of the Guadalquivir. Without a doubt, a solemn journey!
Literary Route of Federico García Lorca
Federico García Lorca is widely known to be one of the geniuses of Spanish and universal literature. But … did you know that it is in the province of Jaén where his vocation as a writer awakened, in a crucial meeting with a distinguished writer? You will have to come and find out.
Miguel Hernández Literary Route
Despite Miguel Hernández’s brief presence in the province of Jaén – barely two months – the poet from Orihuela has left a momentous mark, not only in the province (his poem “Aceituneros” has become a provincial anthem) , but in universal literature itself, since this brief stay in Jaén is one of the most prolific of his literary career. This route will help you understand what the poet felt in the bombing of Jaén, in the siege of the Santuario de la Cabeza
or the fall of the XIV International Brigade in the Battle of Lopera. Follow him and you will not regret it.
Literary Route of Juan Eslava Galán
Juan Eslava is a Planeta Award and one of the most prolific authors in the history of Literature and he is from Jaén, specifically Úbeda. In his extensive work, he makes a constant reference to the history, places, buildings, landscapes, myths and legends of much of the province of Jaén, so he will be your best ally to get to know the province through fun and intriguing adventures. His literary route reveals great secrets that are hidden in the province, so you must pay attention to the clues.
Literary Route of Antonio Muñoz Molina
Antonio Muñoz Molina, Planeta Award and Prince of Asturias Award for Literature, needs no introduction. Nor Úbeda, a UNESCO World Heritage city. But what about Magina?
This route will reveal the “city model” in which the author frames some of his works. Spaces, situations, experiences and characters that coincide with his native Úbeda which you will be able to discover in an overwhelming way. Come, the Plaza del Reloj, the Casa de las Torres, the viewpoints and other attractions await you.
