Valdepeñas de Jaén Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Valdepeñas de Jaén

city

Flag	Coat of arms

Valdepeñas de Jaén

Location in Province of Jaén (Spain)

Valdepeñas de Jaén

Location in Andalusia

Valdepeñas de Jaén

Location in Spain

Spain

Comarca

Sierra Sur

Area

• Total

183.80 km² (70.97 sq mi)

Elevation

920 m (3,020 ft)

Population

(2018)

• Total

3,799

• Density

20.669/km² (53.533/sq mi)

Demonym(s)

Valdepeñeros

Time zone

UTC+1 (CET)

• Summer (DST)

UTC+2 (CEST)

Valdepeñas de Jaén is a city in the province of Jaén, Spain. It is located in the Sierra Sur region of Andalusia. In 2018, about 3,799 people lived there.

The city covers an area of 183 square kilometers. It sits high up, at 920 meters (about 3,018 feet) above sea level. Valdepeñas de Jaén is about 31 kilometers (19 miles) from Jaén, the capital city of the province.

Valdepeñas de Jaén is surrounded by mountains. It has thick forests with many holm oak trees. To the north is the Sierra de la Pandera, and to the south is the Alta Coloma mountain range. From the Sierra de la Morenilla, you can see nearby towns like Martos and Alcalá la Real.

A Glimpse into History: How Valdepeñas de Jaén Began
Religious Traditions: The Christ of Chircales
Exploring Santiago Apóstol Parish Church
The Ancient Sanctuary of Cristo de Chircales
Santa Ana Mill Museum: A Glimpse into the Past
Hermitage of San Sebastián: A Historic Chapel
The Historic Bridge of Santa Ana
Images for kids
See also

A Glimpse into History: How Valdepeñas de Jaén Began

Valdepeñas de Jaén was founded in 1539. This happened after the kingdom of Granada became part of Spain again. New towns were needed to repopulate the mountain areas of Jaén.

The town was planned with a special grid layout for its streets. This design was popular during the Renaissance period. By 1550, the town was fully settled. It was under the control of the City of Jaén.

In 1558, King Felipe II recognized Valdepeñas as an independent town. Later, in 1629, King Felipe IV sold the town's control to a nobleman. The town council did not agree with this. They fought for their independence for many years. Finally, in 1785, the town council won. Valdepeñas became fully independent. In 1917, King Alfonso XIII declared Valdepeñas a city.

Religious Traditions: The Christ of Chircales

The Christ of Chircales has been an important religious symbol in Valdepeñas de Jaén since the 1500s. A special festival is held every year from September 1 to 5 to celebrate it.

Since 1940, a pilgrimage has taken place. People walk to the shrine of Chircales on the first Sunday in May. This pilgrimage is now recognized as an important part of Andalucía's heritage.

Exploring Santiago Apóstol Parish Church

The Parish Church of Santiago Apóstol was built between the 16th and 17th centuries. It was designed by Juan de Reolid in 1539. Many skilled builders worked on it over the years.

The church was badly damaged during the Spanish Civil War. It was repaired in 1952. Today, it has three main sections and a large main chapel. There are also two chapels from the 18th century.

Inside the church, you can find many old and valuable items. These include:

An 18th-century carving of San José.
Images of Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno.
The Christ of Medinaceli.
An image of the Immaculate Conception.

The Ancient Sanctuary of Cristo de Chircales

The Sanctuary of Cristo de Chircales is located a few kilometers from the town. It is a very old site, mentioned in a hunting book from the Middle Ages.

In 1566, a local resident donated land to build a hermits' sanctuary. Hermits are people who live alone for religious reasons. Around the church, there are twelve rock hermitages. These are small cave-like dwellings.

The church building was constructed between 1590 and 1609. Since at least 1606, it has housed a painting of the Christ of Chircales. Over time, more people became devoted to the Christ of Chircales. Today, two groups (brotherhoods) continue to care for the sanctuary.

Santa Ana Mill Museum: A Glimpse into the Past

The Santa Ana Mill Museum is an old flour mill. It started working in 1540, but its origins might be even older. This mill used water power to grind grain.

In 2001, the mill was restored. Now, it is a museum that shows how people lived and worked in the past. It also hosts cultural events, art shows, and food-related activities.

Hermitage of San Sebastián: A Historic Chapel

The Hermitage of San Sebastián was built in the 17th century. It is located near the exit to Jaén. This chapel was dedicated to Saint Sebastian, who was believed to protect people from diseases. During times of plague, it might have been a checkpoint for travelers.

In 1807, the chapel was rebuilt. A cemetery was added next to it. This cemetery is one of the oldest in the Jaén province. The hermitage has a classical design, similar to other important churches in the area.

The Historic Bridge of Santa Ana

The Bridge of Santa Ana is likely from the Middle Ages. It is also known as Dehesa or del Hundidero. This bridge is very close to the town. It was part of an old road connecting Jaén with Alcalá la Real. It also links the town to the Chircales Sanctuary.

The bridge is made from volcanic rock found nearby. It has a single arch that crosses the Ranera stream. The bridge was first mentioned in records in 1580, after being repaired from storm damage. It was repaired again in 1751 and has remained strong ever since.