Paseo de la Virgen de Linarejos

Paseo de la Virgen de Linarejos is a historic, tree-lined boulevard in Linares, in the province of Jaén, linking the town center with the sanctuary of the city's patron saint, the Virgin of Linarejos.

Where does this promenade come from?

The paseo's story starts in the mid-19th century. Construction began in 1843 and was completed in 1875, during the reign of Alfonso XII — right in the middle of Linares' lead-mining boom. The city's mining-driven prosperity fueled a wave of urban development, and local elites wanted a representative public space to match the town's growing importance. The result was this wide, shaded boulevard, still known today as the "green lungs" of Linares.

How do you get there, and what will you see along the way?

The walk starts at the Santa Margarita Gardens and the Fuente de la Constitución (Constitution Fountain), from where the avenue runs in a straight line all the way to the sanctuary. More than a hundred distinctive benches line the route, and dense rows of trees provide shade even during hot Andalusian summers — one reason locals treat the paseo as an everyday spot for walking and relaxing, not just a sightseeing stop. Getting to Linares itself is straightforward, as the town sits on the main road network of Jaén province, and the paseo lies in an easily reachable part of the city, close to the center.

What's at the end of the avenue?

At the far end of the boulevard stands the Santuario de la Virgen de Linarejos, a Marian sanctuary dedicated to the city's patron saint. According to local tradition and an old ballad, on August 5, 1227 — the year Linares was reconquered by Ferdinand III — the Virgin is said to have appeared to a shepherd named Juan Jiménez. A modest chapel was first raised on the site, dedicated to Our Lady of the Snows in reference to the date of the apparition. The current stone church came later: work on the new building began in 1638 and finished in 1666. The sanctuary's interior took its present form much later still — in 1952, when artists Francisco Carulla and Francisco Baños Martos painted its frescoes. Carulla depicted New Testament scenes, while Baños portrayed episodes from the life of Saint Francis of Assisi along with the apparition of the Virgin of Linarejos herself.

When should you visit?

The paseo can be visited at any time of year, but the standout moment is the annual romería — a pilgrimage in honor of the Virgin of Linarejos, when devotees process the full length of the avenue from the town center to the sanctuary. The event fills the boulevard with a lively, festive atmosphere and shows just how deeply the site is woven into Linares' local identity. Outside the pilgrimage season, a walk along the avenue makes for a quiet, shaded route — a good way to unwind after exploring the town center.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to walk the whole avenue? At a relaxed pace, from the Santa Margarita Gardens to the sanctuary, the walk usually takes 20–30 minutes, depending on how many stops you make along the way.

Is there an entry fee for the sanctuary? No, the sanctuary is open to visitors free of charge, though it's worth checking local opening hours before you go.

What's the difference between the paseo and the sanctuary? The paseo is the promenade itself — a historic boulevard lined with benches and trees — while the sanctuary is the church building at its far end, dedicated to the city's patron saint.

Is it worth timing a visit around the romería? Yes, if you're interested in local religious traditions and folklore — it's one of the most important dates on Linares' calendar, combining a religious procession with elements of a popular fiesta.