Quesada, a picturesque municipality located in the province of Jaén, in the autonomous community of Andalusia, is a destination that combines history, nature and culture in a unique way. This charming village is located in the Natural Park of Sierra de Cazorla, Segura and Las Villas, a natural paradise that offers breathtaking landscapes and a rich biodiversity. From Vacalia we suggest this place for a day trip if you are on holiday in Almeria, Mojacar, Malaga or Murcia for example.
A glimpse of Quesada’s history
The history of Quesada is deeply rooted in the civilisations that have passed through this region. Since prehistoric times, it has been a place of human settlement, as evidenced by the cave paintings and Bronze Age necropolises that can be found in the surrounding area. The municipality has witnessed the passage of Iberians, Romans and Arabs, each leaving their mark on the culture and heritage of the area.
What to see in Quesada?
The Rafael Zabaleta Museum is a space dedicated to the life and work of the painter, who was born in Quesada in 1907. The collection includes more than 200 works, including paintings and drawings, which reflect Zabaleta’s unique style and his ability to capture the essence of rural life and the landscapes of his homeland. The museum also organises temporary exhibitions and cultural activities, contributing to the dissemination of art and culture in the region.
Miguel Hernández-Josefina Manresa Museum
In the same building is the Miguel Hernández-Josefina Manresa Museum, which houses works by the famous poet Miguel Hernández, safeguarded by his wife Josefina Manresa during Franco’s repression. It also exhibits personal objects, such as his typewriter. This museum is located in Quesada because Josefina Manresa, Miguel Hernández’s wife, was born in this municipality.
Tíscar Castle
One of the main historical attractions of Quesada is the castle of Tíscar. Although only one tower remains in good condition today, this castle is a testament to the strategic importance of the region in times gone by. The castle is located in a spectacular setting, next to the Cueva del Agua, a natural monument that is one of the most impressive geological wonders in the province of Jaén.
One of the oldest and best known natural caves in Spain is a fascinating limestone formation where the water of the river Tíscar and the rock of Monte del Caballo intertwine. It is a unique cave that houses an impressive waterfall. This natural phenomenon is the result of the filtration of water through the limestone rocks, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. The combination of the castle and the cave creates a fairytale landscape that transports visitors to another era.
Sanctuary of the Virgen de Tíscar
Next to this natural monument, we find the Sanctuary of the Virgen de Tíscar, one of the main tourist attractions of the village. It was built in the mid-20th century on the remains of an ancient Christian temple. The building, with a rectangular floor plan and irregular stone walls, has interior lighting through oculi on the upper level. The main façade is notable for an image of the Virgin sculpted in high relief and a bell tower that emphasises its verticality. Among its most notable elements are a 14th century Gothic façade, a 16th century baptistery and works of art such as the oil painting “Romería de Tíscar” by the painter Rafael Zabaleta. The Virgin of Tíscar, patron saint of Quesada and the Adelantado de Cazorla, is venerated throughout the Alto Guadalquivir region and in the nearby provinces of Murcia, Granada and Almería.
Nature and sport in Quesada
Due to its privileged location, Quesada is a reference point in terms of natural heritage. An essential place to visit is the source of the Guadalquivir River, which springs in the Cañada de las Siete Fuentes. This initial stretch of the river, meandering between rocks and bridges, is a spectacle to be admired. A few kilometres away is the valley of the yew trees, home to the famous thousand-year-old yew, a tree more than 2,000 years old with an impressive trunk nine metres in diameter.
For nature and sport lovers, Quesada offers numerous hiking and MTB (mountain biking) routes that allow you to explore its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
- GR-7 Trail Stage 1 Quesada-Cazorla
- Water Cave Trail
- Pico Cabañas Path
- Millenary Yew Tree Trail
- Tíscar Route
- Birth of the Guadalquivir
- Guardian Route
Gastronomy of Quesada
The gastronomy of Quesada is characterised by its high calorie content, typical of mountain food, and by the use of flour, a clear influence of its Arab past. Traditional dishes, handed down from generation to generation, use natural products from the region. Among the most outstanding are “talarines”, “migas”, “gachas quesadeñas”, “roscos fritos” and “risol”, together with products derived from the slaughter of the pig. These delicacies can be enjoyed in Quesada’s restaurants and bars, or prepared at home with the high quality natural products available in the local shops. Quesada is renowned for its extra virgin olive oil, which is produced in the region and is considered one of the best in the world.
The name Quesada derives from the words “casa” and “chaida” meaning fertile place or beautiful place. Quesada is a destination that has much to offer to those seeking an authentic and enriching experience in the heart of Andalusia. Its combination of history, nature, culture and gastronomy make it a unique place, where every visitor can find something to fascinate them.
