Alcalá la Real is an Andalusian town that captivates travellers with its unique blend of tradition and history. Between olive groves and steep streets, this jewel of Jaén is the scene of a Holy Week full of passion and witness to the passing of Charles V.

CROSSROADS: ALCALÁ LA REAL

Alcalá lives its Holy Week with a unique intensity, being part of the Caminos de Pasión route. Here, the religious and the theatrical merge in its Holy Week: a tradition that never ceases and is kept alive throughout the year.

  • Los Pasos Mímicos: The Mimetic Passion Play: The Passion Play is a moving tradition.
  • Living Museums: The House of Ecce Homo and the Museum of Popular Religiosity in the Church of San Juan. They exhibit rostra, embroidery and processional objects throughout the year.
  • Workshops for the production of mantillas: Where embroidery is made using centuries-old techniques.
  • Birthplace of famous sculptors: Alcalá la Real, birthplace of Pablo de Rojas and Martínez Montañés, preserves their sculptures throughout the town centre.

In 1526, Emperor Charles V stopped here during his wedding journey with Isabella of Portugal, on his way to Granada. Today you can follow in his footsteps:

  • La Mota: This fortress of Arab origin, with its citadel and abbey church, was witness to his rest.
  • The Royal Road: Troops, traders... and the emperor himself used to travel along this road to his retreats in Yuste (Extremadura).

RELATED ROUTES:

Los Esponsales de Carlos V y Luna de Miel (Charles V and Honeymoon)

Passion Roads

EXPERIENCES

Why Alcalá la Real?

Ready to experience the Passion and follow in the footsteps of an emperor? You'll be amazed and you'll be able to discover more about Easter Week than just the celebration itself, while you enjoy streets with imperial echoes.

Don't miss out...

  • Breakfast like a local: Toast with extra virgin olive oil and local cold meats.
  • The Palacio Abacial: Building that replaced the old Palacio de la Fortaleza, currently houses the Municipal Museum.
  • Streets that are scenery: Go up to the Barrio de las Cruces, where the viewpoints offer postcard views at sunset.
  • Gastronomy: Goat's cheese, orange "remojón", cod and wines from the Sierra Sur de Jaén Protected Geographical Indication.

Ready to experience the Passion and follow in the footsteps of an emperor?

OTHER CROSSROADS

ALBARRACIN

BAENA

BENASSAL

BURGOS

CÁCERES

CARMONA

FROMIST

LEON

MERIDA

BRANCHES OF VICTORY