Canena Castle, or the Castillo de Canena, sits in the beautiful village of Canena, a part of the Province of Jaén, Spain. Constructed in the 16th century by the famous architect Andrés de Vandelvira, the castle stands out as a marvel of architecture and history.
Francisco de los Cobos, a secretary to Carlos I and a prominent figure of the Renaissance, acquired the village of Canena in 1538, and the castle became the focal point of his grand estate. The current structure dates back to the 17th century, but it was erected upon an older fortress from the 13th century.
The castle showcases a stunning interior patio, featuring a second floor enhanced with a balustrade, columns, and Jonic capitals. The main entrance, marked by an arch, is flanked by Corinthian pilasters, sporting grotesque figures and the coats of arms of the castle's founders.
The castle comprises four towers, including two large, circular towers guarding the main facade, and two smaller towers on the opposite side. Regrettably, the original moat, complete with a drawbridge, has been filled in.
Andrés de Vandelvira, the architect behind Castillo de Canena, was also a key figure in the Renaissance movement in nearby Ubeda and its surrounding region. The castle now stands as a national monument, having been declared as such in 1931, and is considered one of the most important castles in Andalusia.
Today, Castillo de Canena is privately owned by the family that runs the 'Castillo de Canena' olive oil business. Visitors are welcome to view the castle upon request to the owners or by inquiring at the municipal government.
Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons
Written by Nik Frost
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