Whilst in the region one should try to visit the towns of Baeza and Ubeda, both of which display many different styles. 1208AB
situated on top of the Cerro de Santa Catalina next to the castle after which it is named. The view from the parador is magnificent, from the fertile Guadalquivir Valley to the mountains of the Sierra Morena and extensive olive groves.
The sober decoration maintains at all times the typical castle style. Some of the comfortable and friendly rooms have balcony and four poster beds but all have mountain views.
When the hotel was built the medieval architecture of the national monument nearby, was taken into consideration.
offers the typical cuisine of Jaen, which combines Andalucian flavour and colour with the sobriety of La Mancha. Among the typical dishes are 'La Pipirrana' (a special cucumber and tomato salad) and 'espinacas al estilo de Jaen' (a spinach dish). Also worth trying is the famous 'Cena jocosa' of Jaen which is a complete meal, with several dishes.
The halls and extensive rooms of the hotel evoke times of past glory. Armour, grandiose tapestries and ogival arches are accompanied by the gilt work which features in many halls and corridors, revealing a moorish influence.