Batalla de las Navas de Tolosa Historical milestone · Santa Elena, Sierra Morena, Jaén Near Santa Elena, at the Despeñaperros pass, the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa was fought on 16 July 1212, opening the Christian route into Andalusia. 16 de julio de 1212 Photo: Francisco de Paula Van Halen (Public domain) What to see and do in Santa Elena