Fodor's Expert Review Parador de Jaén

Built amid the mountaintop towers of the Castillo de Santa Catalina, this 13th-century castle had a complete refurbishment in 2020 with modernization of all its installations. It has, however, kept its traditional style and is one of the showpieces of the parador chain and reason enough to visit Jaén. Its grandiose exterior echoes the Santa Catalina fortress next door, as do the massive vaulted halls, tapestries, baronial shields, and suits of armor inside. The comfortable bedrooms, with lofty ceilings, Islamic tile work, and canopy beds, have balconies overlooking fields stretching toward a dramatic mountain backdrop. Specialties served in the restaurant include spinach Jaén style (with egg) and ajoblanco.