The Route of the Renaissance is a faithful reflection of the splendour of a bygone era. Palaces, sculptures, houses, streets, paintings, jewels, plazas… Evidence of the massive boom that occurred during the Jaén Renaissance, and which reached its peak in the 15^th and 16^th centuries, can be glimpsed around every corner. Jaén offers travellers the chance to explore the province´s wealth of historical monuments. Here one will discover centuries of art and history which have left their mark on this part of Andalucía.

 This route unites the capitals of Al-Andalus, Califal and Nazarí, and is the one which , according to al-Idrisi, was followed in the 12^th century between Córdoba and Granada. The territory along which the Route of the Caliphate travels once separated christendom from the muslim world at the end of the Middle Ages in Spain. King Alfonso XI conceded the “royal” title to Alcalá la Real, which he considered “the key, the guard and the defender of the Castillian Kings”

This tourist offering is developed around a common cultural resource: Semana Santa or Easter week. Nevertheless, one is not limited to enjoying this route during one short period in the year as Semana Santa is the manifestation of a religious community that involves customs, gastronomy and handicrafts. The territory of the Routes of Passion takes in Alcalá la Real, Antequera, Baena, Estepa, Lucena, Marchena, Osuna, Priego de Córdoba and Puente Genil, which have in common that their Easter weeks have all been declared of Interest to Tourism.

 This is a pilot project based on the concept of cooperation between local administrations and those who work in tourism in the region and includes the cities of Alcalá la Real, Antequera, Ecija, Estepa, Loja and Lucena. All of them offer a rich cultural heritage which we can get to know while maintaining Alcalá la Real as our reference point.

Finally, it is worthwhile mentioning Almedinilla, in order that you get to know the Roman villa of El Ruedo which was discovered in 1989. It is one of the best examples of Greco-Roman culture in Andalucía due to its extraordinary architecture and sculptural decoration, as well as for being one of the largest buildings of its type found in the region. Wonderful meals are celebrated here with all the rituals of the Roman table. It´s a worthwhile activity and one which the staff of Llave de Granada can help to organise.

 This route comprises an area from the archeological site at Alarcos in the province of Ciudad Real to the foot of the Alhambra Palace in Granada and includes most of the historic monuments in the province of Jaén, where the route travels between Navas de Tolosa and Alcalá la Real. Along the route you can enjoy magnificent castles whose supremacy started to wane as Christian troops began defeating the Andalusí kingdoms.

This initiative for sustainable tourism recognises the Sierra Sur of Jáen province as a renowned tourist destination due to its wealth of natural resources and scenic beauty. Added to that are an important historic and cultural legacy which makes the region well worth getting to know.