Craft Route of Jaen: Pottery, Leather, Ironwork and Guitars

Jaen’s craft tradition reflects its long history as a frontier territory between Muslim and Christian cultures. Some older crafts, such as silk, have disappeared, but pottery, leatherwork, wrought iron, vegetable-fibre work and guitar making continue in several towns across the province.

The strongest concentrations are in Úbeda (a declared Zone of Artisan Interest), Andujar, Bailen, Torredonjimeno and Marmolejo. The route is best explored by car, combining the historic centres of Úbeda and Baeza with the pottery and leather towns of the Guadalquivir valley.

  • Pottery of Andujar and the distinctive green ceramics of Úbeda
  • Leather goods from Andujar, including work for international brands
  • Wrought iron and traditional lanterns, especially in Úbeda and Torredonjimeno
  • Vegetable-fibre crafts (wicker and related techniques)
  • Handmade guitars from Marmolejo
  • Religious wood carving and stone work

The main crafts of the route

Pottery

Pottery is one of the oldest and most characteristic crafts of the province. It has Iberian and Roman roots and later absorbed strong Islamic and Christian influences. The activity was recently recognised as an Ethnological Interest Asset by the Junta de Andalucia.

Andujar has a continuous tradition that reaches back to the Roman pottery centre of Isturgi. Its ceramics are known for blue-and-white colouring and for distinctive forms, including the so-called grotesque jugs. A good introduction is the Archaeological Museum Professor Sotomayor.

Úbeda pottery is equally distinctive. It is characterised by an intense green glaze and intricate decoration achieved through piercing, incision and applied white clay. Traditional forms include oil cans, jugs, plates and vases. Useful references include the Pottery Guild, the Pablo Tito Pottery Museum and the working Tito family workshop.

Traditional pottery from Jaen province

Leather goods

Andujar is one of the main leather-producing centres in Spain. The industry has medieval roots linked to saddlery and armour, but today it supplies both traditional rural items and high-quality handbags, wallets, belts and accessories for international brands. Porcuna also maintains leather workshops oriented toward farming and hunting equipment.

Metalwork and lanterns

Artistic wrought iron is practised in many towns, including Alcala la Real, Belmez de la Moraleda, Jaen, Martos, Mengibar, Úbeda and Torredonjimeno. Products range from balconies, handrails and grilles to lamps and decorative pieces. Torredonjimeno is especially noted for traditional ironwork and embossing.

Úbeda is particularly known for its lamp-makers, who produce lanterns in tinplate and glass (transparent or coloured) in a wide variety of shapes. These lanterns have become one of the recognisable craft symbols of the city.

Vegetable-fibre crafts

Wicker and other vegetable fibres have been worked in the province for centuries. Historical records for Úbeda date back to the 11th century. Today the craft continues on a smaller scale, with Los Villares remaining one of the better-known centres for traditional fibre work. Baskets, furniture and related items are still produced by a limited number of artisans.

Guitars of Marmolejo

Marmolejo has a guitar-making tradition that began in the 1930s. The best-known figure is Jerónimo Peña Fernández (born 1933), who learned carpentry and repair as a child and began building his own instruments at the age of 18. The town’s luthiers continue to produce classical and flamenco guitars using traditional methods, and instruments from Marmolejo have reached musicians in several countries.

Wood and stone carving

Religious wood carving remains active, producing images of saints, Virgins and Christ figures for churches and brotherhoods. Stone carving, using local marble or limestone, is applied to crosses, altars, fountains and monuments. Notable examples include the cross of Santa Catalina in Jaen city and the fountain of El Pilar in Baeza.

How to reach the craft centres of Jaen

The main craft towns form a loose triangle between Úbeda–Baeza, Andujar and the southern towns such as Torredonjimeno and Marmolejo. From the Costa del Sol the journey to the Úbeda area takes roughly two to two and a half hours by car.

Car hire for exploring Jaen

Car hire: the most practical option

A hire car is the most flexible way to combine Úbeda, Andujar, Bailen and the smaller craft towns in a single trip. Public transport between these centres is limited.

Car hire in Malaga
Private transfer to Jaen craft towns

Private transfer: door-to-door convenience

A private transfer from your accommodation on the Costa del Sol or from Malaga Airport can take you directly to Úbeda, Andujar or other craft centres. This is useful if you prefer not to drive the longer distances involved.

Transfers from Malaga

*No credit-card details are required in advance. We recommend booking well ahead of time, especially in summer and high season.

Other transport options

Trains and buses connect Malaga and other Andalusian cities with Jaen and with Úbeda–Baeza. Once in the area, local buses serve some of the craft towns, but frequencies are low. For a multi-stop itinerary a car remains the most practical solution.

Practical tips

  • Úbeda concentrates the greatest variety of workshops (pottery, ironwork, lanterns) and is the best single base for a craft-focused visit.
  • Many pottery workshops in Úbeda and Andujar welcome visitors; the Tito family workshop and museum are particularly useful starting points.
  • Andujar is the main destination for leather goods.
  • Guitar workshops in Marmolejo are fewer and often work by appointment.
  • Combine the craft route with the Renaissance architecture of Úbeda and Baeza if time allows.
  • Opening hours can be irregular outside the main tourist season; check in advance when possible.

Frequently asked questions about the Craft Route of Jaen

What is the pottery of Úbeda known for?

Úbeda pottery is characterised by an intense green glaze and intricate decoration created through piercing, incision and applied white clay. Traditional forms include jugs, oil cans, plates and vases. The craft has clear Islamic roots and continues in several family workshops.

Where does the pottery of Andujar come from?

It has continuous roots going back to the Roman pottery centre of Isturgi, near modern Andujar. The tradition survived through successive cultural periods and is still active today, known for blue-and-white colouring and distinctive forms.

Is Andujar a good place to buy leather goods?

Yes. Andujar is one of the main leather-producing centres in Spain and supplies both traditional rural items and high-quality accessories for international brands.

Are guitars still made in Marmolejo?

Yes. The town has a guitar-making tradition dating from the 1930s. Luthiers continue to build classical and flamenco instruments using traditional methods, following the line established by makers such as Jerónimo Peña Fernández.

What are the lanterns of Úbeda?

They are traditional lanterns made from tinplate and glass (transparent or coloured) in a variety of shapes. Lamp-making is one of the characteristic crafts of Úbeda and the lanterns have become a local craft symbol.

How long do I need for the craft route in Jaen?

Úbeda and its workshops can be covered in a half to full day. Adding Andujar, Bailen or Marmolejo usually requires a second day. A car makes it possible to combine several centres efficiently.