A delegation of foreign journalists specialized in the food and financial sectors has made a visit to the archaeological site of Cástulo, in Linares (Jaén), as part of the preliminary program of the "Andalucía Gusto del Sur International Cheese Festival", an event that will host in Córdoba, on November 12, the grand final of the prestigious competition "World Cheese Awards".
The delegate of the Junta in Jaén, Erik Domínguez, present at the activity, has emphasized the importance of leveraging the historical and cultural heritage of Jaén as a tool to strengthen its international projection.
The expedition, also accompanied by the director of the archaeological site, Marcelo Castro, has toured the ancient Iberian-Roman city of Cástulo.
During the visit, the delegate defined this space as a "strategic place" and "the largest fortified city on the peninsula", highlighting its role in the Second Punic War and its connection with the figures of Hannibal and Himilce. The reporters had the opportunity to learn about unique sites such as the major baths, the Acropolis, the monumental area, and the renowned Mosaic of the Loves.
Domínguez has emphasized the opportunity that the showcase of the "World Cheese Awards" represents to promote both the heritage legacy and the "gastronomic qualities" of the province.
He recalled that the Jaén territory already knows what it is like to be at the top of this competition, as the cheese "Olavidia", from the Jaén company Quesos y Besos, was recognized as the best cheese in the world in the 2021 edition. The delegation's program also included a tour of the facilities of this cheese company.
"Jaén is known worldwide for the production of olive oil, but we also have magnificent professionals who, in the field of dairy, partridge, honey, or meat not only place their products at the forefront of agri-food products but also proudly carry the banner that they are from Jaén," the delegate stated.
The competition "World Cheese Awards", in which different cheese references from the province of Jaén participate, aims to promote the excellence of cheese production on an international scale. In this year's edition, 5,300 cheeses from 47 countries across five continents have been registered.