Jaén, Úbeda and Baeza

Jaén, Úbeda and Baeza and the renaissance

The cobbled streets of Baeza are deserted during the festive season at the end of the year. The locals are probably at home with their families celebrating, whilst mass tourism has yet to discover these historical gems. The sound of splashing fountains and the chiming of church bells are the only sounds to break the silence on this winter day.

Nothing reveals that we are in the 21st century. On the contrary, it feels like modern follies like cars, electricity, and commercial displays still have to be invented. You will find century-old mansions, churches, fountains, monasteries, and university buildings in this part of town.

A pattern that repeats itself in neighbouring Úbeda. Both cities are perfect examples of the grandeur of the Renaissance in Andalusia in the 16th and 17th centuries.

UNESCO declared the historical monuments of these two towns World Heritage Sites in 2003.

Highlights Jaén

These two municipalities are situated in the province of Jaén, in Southern Spain. Baeza has sixteen thousand inhabitants, Úbeda thirty-six thousand. Whereas Jaén, the provincial capital, has more than 115,000 souls.

As the capital, it has the best view of the city and across the valley. From Santa Catalina castle, you’ll have the world at your feet, as this is the city’s high point. This Arab fortress stands atop the Santa Catalina ridge.

In the valley, the colossal Cathedral, Santa Iglesia Catedral de la Asunción de la Virgin, dominates the city.

Note: parking can be challenging in the city centre. Luckily there is a central car park at the Plaza de la Constitution, walking distance from the cathedral.

Úbeda sightseeing

Úbeda may be much smaller than the capital, the city’s historic heart easily surpasses that of Jaén in its beauty.

The main feature is the Vázquez de Molina square. Here you will find the most important buildings, including the City Hall, or Palacio de las Cadenas, the Parador de Turismo, the Palace of the Marquis of Mancera, the Sacred Chapel of El Salvador, the Collegiate Church of Santa María de los Reales Alcázares and the old granary. In the square, you can also find the monument to Andrés de Vandelvira and a Renaissance fountain.

Another important sight is the former Santiago Hospital, with its square bell towers and an elegant courtyard. The building now functions as a cultural centre. Entrance to the art exhibitions and chapel are free of charge.

Sights Baeza

Baeza is especially enchanting between the walls (entre murallas). In this area, there are two main squares.

The first one is the Plaza del Pópulo or Plaza de Leones, named after the lion fountain in the square. Around the plaza, you’ll find the courthouse, former butcher shops, the old city gates and an arc.

The other square is Plaza Santa Maria. The cathedral was built over a Roman temple, which later became a mosque and was subsequently converted to Christianity by Ferdinand III.

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Accommodation

The three cities are relatively close together. The distance from Jaen to Baeza is 55 kilometres on the highway, and from Baeza to Úbeda adds another 10 kilometres to the drive.

You don’t need to move to another hotel. It is pretty feasible to visit each city as a day trip from the exact location.

Jaen, Baeza and Úbeda all have great options to stay. The various options are listed below: