Úbeda and Baeza, located in the heart of the province of Jaén, are two wonderful cities with an incredible heritage, which led to both being declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2003. Their palaces, squares, streets, and churches undoubtedly deserve this recognition. The scarcely 9 kilometers that separate both places make them an ideal destination to visit in one or two days.
To explore Úbeda and Baeza, we highly recommend taking one of the guided tours that allow you to discover notable sites alongside an expert guide. The Sacred Chapel of the Savior, the Basilica of San Juan de la Cruz, the Palace of Jabalquinto, the Plaza del Pópulo, and the Basilica of Santa María de los Reales Alcázares and the Cathedral of the Nativity of Our Lady of Baeza are some of these perfect spots to explore with a guide.
Here you can enjoy the Mediterranean diet, with extra virgin olive oil (AOVE) as the main ingredient, as well as tapas. These cities are ideal for wine tourism, visiting some of their olive oil mills. Next, we suggest some places you shouldn't miss on your trip to Úbeda and Baeza:
The Plaza Vázquez de Molina, considered one of the greatest examples of Renaissance urbanism, stands out, not only for its beauty but also because it houses some of the main monuments of Úbeda. The Sacred Chapel of the Savior, the Palace of Dean Ortega (National Parador), the Vázquez de Molina Palace, and the Church of Santa María de los Reales Alcázares are located around this square. Additionally, the ancient Arab Alcázar was located in this very spot.
How to get there?
The Palace of Dean Ortega dates back to the 16th century and is named after its founder, Fernando Ortega y Salido, who was the first chaplain of the Sacred Chapel, priest of the Málaga Cathedral, and choir master of the Church of Santa María de los Reales Alcázares in Úbeda. Since 1930, it has been a National Parador, one of the oldest in Spain. Currently, its patio and some galleries are open to visitors. It's a good place to stay to dive into the Renaissance history of Úbeda.
Photo: José Luis Filpo Cabaña
Hours:
The Sacred Chapel of the Savior is one of the most important Renaissance works in Úbeda, declared a historical-artistic monument in 1931. It was designed by the well-known architect Andrés de Vandelvira. Inside, there is the pantheon of Francisco de los Cobos, a notable figure from the city who financed the construction of the temple. The facade features various noble coats of arms along with significant sculptural decoration. It is one of the most visited places and impresses those who enter.
The Vázquez de Molina Palace (or Palace of Chains), also of Renaissance character, was built in the 16th century by Andrés de Vandelvira. It was declared a National Monument in 1931 and has been the seat of the Úbeda Town Hall since 1850. Like the Palace of Dean Ortega, this palace is not a visitable monument, but its beautiful Renaissance patios can be visited. The lower chamber houses the Interpretation Center of the Renaissance (temporarily closed).
Photo: Allie_Caulfield
The Basilica and Royal Collegiate Church of Santa María la Mayor de los Reales Alcázares de Úbeda, declared a National Monument, is the main church of the city of Úbeda and the third in the diocese of Jaén. The church combines different architectural styles due to its extensive history: Gothic, Mudéjar, Renaissance, Baroque, and Neo-Gothic. This basilica is dedicated to the patron saint of Úbeda, Our Lady of Guadalupe and Gavellar. Without a doubt, a temple unique in the world for its combination of styles.
Photo: Daniel Villafruela
Daniel Villafruela
The Water Synagogue, located in the historic center of Úbeda, was accidentally discovered when apartments were to be built. Currently, most of the medieval rooms are preserved, such as the mikveh (Jewish ritual bath), the Women’s Gallery, the Inquisitor's room, and the synagogue hall. It has been open to the public since 2010, after three years of recovery from its discovery. The synagogue can only be visited in small groups with a guided tour.
Photo: Bobo Boom
Bobo Boom
The Hospital of Santiago was designed by Andrés de Vandelvira in 1562. Commissioned by the bishop of Jaén (Don Diego de los Cobos) as a hospital for the sick, as well as a church-pantheon and palace, it is regarded as one of the best works of Andrés de Vandelvira and one of the great achievements of healthcare architecture of the Renaissance in Spain. It served as a hospital until 1975. However, currently, it is used as a cultural center for exhibitions and conferences, as well as a library.
The Vela de los Cobos Palace is a stately home, a Renaissance monument, which remains the habitual residence of the family that inherited it. Its visit is of interest since it is perfectly preserved, both architecturally and in terms of its furnishings and pictorial collection. The building houses a library and a historical archive, as well as collections of porcelain, ceramics, antique clothing, and numismatics. The palace can only be visited through a guided tour at specific times.
The Palace of Jabalquinto is one of the highest representatives of the Isabeline Gothic style, which is reflected mainly in its facade. Its late Renaissance-style patio (constructed a century after the facade) is the other most prominent space. It was declared a Historical Artistic Monument in 1931 and forms part of a monumental trio alongside the Church of Santa Cruz and the main seat of the former University. The Palace of Jabalquinto was a noble residence until 1720, when it was used as a Minor College until the 1970s. Subsequently, it served as the headquarters of the Baeza Heritage Rehabilitation Workshop and is currently the Antonio Machado campus of the International University of Andalusia.
Photo: Michal Osmenda
Michal Osmenda
In 1227, several churches in late Romanesque style were built in Baeza. However, today only the Church of Santa Cruz, located in the Plaza de Santa Cruz, remains. It is exclusive as it is one of the few Romanesque constructions in Andalusia that is preserved in excellent condition. The temple contains images of a Calvary, remnants of a Last Supper, and the image of the Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian.
Photo: Jose Luis Filpo Cabana
Jose Luis Filpo Cabana
The city of Baeza has been an important university city from the 16th to the 19th century. Today it continues to be with the Antonio Machado campus of the International University of Andalusia. The old university building operated from 1875 as a Humanities College, until it became a Secondary Education Institute. In the old University, you can visit the cloister, auditorium, and the chapel of San Juan Evangelista dedicated to Fernández de Córdoba (among other chapels). The Exhibition Space of Antonio Machado and Education of His Time is also located there, recommended to learn about Antonio Machado’s way of life in Baeza, his time as a teacher, as well as participate in interactive games and activities.
Photo: Axel Cotón Gutiérrez
Axel Cotón Gutiérrez
This square concentrates several places of interest. One of Baeza's main fountains, the Lions Fountain, dating back to the 16th century, stands out. On the other hand, we can identify the old butcher shop (now a judicial building), the Villalar arch, the Jaén gate (which belonged to the medieval wall that Isabel the Catholic ordered to destroy in 1476), and the house of Pópulo, a plateresque building where the Baeza Tourist Office is located.
The Plaza de Santa María is located in the historic center of Baeza, where the Cathedral is also situated. The combination of the square and the Cathedral offers beautiful views, making this place the most iconic in the city. In addition to the monuments around and near the square, there is also the Fountain of Santa María, a commemorative monument of the arrival of water to the city in 1564. It is considered one of the most beautiful and original fountains in Andalusia. Regarding the Cathedral, its Renaissance style makes it a building of great value. It dates back to the 13th century, and its architect was the famous Andrés de Vandelvira.
Photo: Arnoldius
