Castillo de Santa Catalina.

Perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the city, Castillo de Santa Catalina is an elongated fortress that defines the skyline of Jaén. While its roots are Moorish, much of the standing masonry reflects the 13th-century Castilian conquest, including the massive 30-meter Torre del Homenaje. Today, the site is a hybrid of a medieval monument and a high-end Parador hotel, but the historical sections remain accessible to the public. Visitors can explore the preserved dungeons, kitchens, and latrines, or walk the ramparts for a 360-degree view of the undulating "sea of olives" that surrounds the province. Inside the former parade ground, an interpretation center provides context on its military past, while the adjacent monumental cross marks the spot where King Ferdinand III is said to have entered the city. It is as much a viewpoint as it is a museum.