Stunning Old-World Cities That Still Feel Frozen in Time

19. Jaén, Spain: The Olive Oil Capital with Renaissance Flair

Located in the heart of Andalusia, Jaén is a hidden jewel often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors like Granada and Seville. But those who venture here will be rewarded with breathtaking Renaissance architecture, a deep historical legacy, and an endless sea of olive groves—Jaén is, after all, the undisputed capital of olive oil production, producing some of the finest liquid gold in the world. The city’s crown jewel is the Jaén Cathedral (Catedral de la Asunción), a magnificent example of Spanish Renaissance architecture that inspired other cathedrals across Latin America. Perched high above the city, the Santa Catalina Castle offers stunning panoramic views of Jaén’s picturesque landscape and provides insight into the region’s long history of Moorish and Christian rule.