Torres de Albanchez

Torres de Albanchez, as the name suggests, is built around a Torre de Homage that was erected sometime during the 15th or early 16th century

By Nick Nutter | Updated 21 Sep 2022 | Jaén | Villages | Login to add to YOUR Favourites or Read Later

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Torres de Albanchez

The early history of the settlement is unclear. All that can be gleaned from records is that a settlement existed nearby that was known as Castillo de la Yedra. Apparently, according to the "Relaciones Topográficos" of Felipe II (1575), it was ‘so strong that if it is not for (its) drawbridge (it) could not be climbed’. By that date Castillo de Yedra was already unoccupied and falling into ruins and a new settlement was growing, the present town of Torres de Albanchez.

Castillo de la Yedra

Torre de Homenage

Castillo de la Yedra had been reconquered from the Muslims in the year 1235 and it became part of the Encomiendo de Segura, part of the holdings granted to the Order of Santiago. Sometime shortly after 1474, for no given reason, Castillo de la Yedra was overthrown by the then Master of the Order of Santiago, Don Rodrigo Manrique. The population started to relocate to the site of the present town and, presumably, built their torre. By 1552, despite having only 5 houses, Felipe II granted it the title of ‘town’.

Visiting Torres de Albanchez

Plaza Torres de Albanchez

There is not much to see or do in Torres de Albanchez. It’s main claim to fame is that it is in the north east of Jaen province, in the midst of the Sierra de Segura mountains and part of the Sierras de Cazorla, Segura and Las Villas National Park. It makes an excellent base from which to explore the northern part of the National Park.

Parroquia de Nuestra Senora de la Presentacion

Parroquia de Nuestra Senora de la Presentacion

Having said that, the town has a couple of bar restaurants that thrive on market day (Monday), and very pleasant square alongside the church, the Parroquia de Nuestra Senora de la Presentacion. It is located on a small hill in the midst of olive groves, cereal fields and orchards with the mountains of the Sierra de Segura as a backdrop.

Hermita Nuestra Senora del Campo

Hermita Nuestra Senora del Campo

On the last Sunday in May or the first Sunday in June, the townsfolk hold a romeria. A procession leads from the village to the nearby Hermita Nuestra Senora del Campo that charmingly translates as Hermitage of the Virgen of the Fields, emphasising the economic dependency on agriculture. The statue of the Virgin is carefully carried on its flower bedecked dais, from the local church to the hermitage. A religious service precedes a picnic that continues for the rest of the day. The hermitage is set in a beautiful wooded valley with fantastic views.

Torres de Albanchez

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