King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia have travelled to Jaen to mark the 1,200th anniversary of the provincial capital.
The royal visit, which also included Spain’s Defence Minister Margarita Robles, forms part of a wider programme of events commemorating the city’s rich history and cultural significance.
The monarchs were welcomed at Jaen City Hall by several leading officials, including the president of the Junta de Andalucia Juanma Moreno and the city’s mayor Julio Millan.
During the reception, the mayor presented King Felipe with the ceremonial staff of office – a symbolic gesture of the city’s authority.
Before entering the building, the King and Queen were also greeted by locals dressed in traditional Jaen costume, who presented them with a bouquet of native plants.
Inside the council chamber, the royal couple met members of the municipal corporation and signed the city’s Book of Honour.
They were also given a series of gifts representing Jaen, including a lithograph by local artist Francisco Carrillo Rodriguez, traditional sweets, olive oil and a figurine of the legendary ‘Lagarto de Jaen’.
Exploring the city’s heritage
Following the official reception, the King and Queen walked through the city centre to the headquarters of Jaen’s Tourism, Culture and Heritage Board, stopping along the way to greet crowds gathered in Plaza Santa Maria and Calle Maestra.
There, they visited a special exhibition marking the 1,200th anniversary, accompanied by historians Juan Carlos Castillo and Pedro Galera.
The visit continued at the Baños Arabes Cultural Centre, one of Jaen’s most important historic landmarks.
Located within the Villardompardo Palace, the Arab Baths complex is considered one of the finest examples of Andalusi heritage in Spain and was awarded the Europa Nostra Medal of Honour in 1984 following its restoration.
The royal couple toured the site and learned about its history and preservation.
A delayed but symbolic visit
The visit had originally been scheduled for April 29 last year, but was postponed due to a nationwide power outage that occurred the day before.
Its rescheduling underlines the importance of the anniversary, which marks 12 centuries of Jaén’s historical role and identity.
The 1,200th anniversary is not only a celebration of Jaen’s past, but also an opportunity to project its future as a cultural destination, the royal household said.
Over the course of 12 centuries, the city has played a role in key moments of history – and local authorities hope the milestone will help shine a spotlight on its heritage, tourism and cultural potential.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
