Ubeda And Baeza
Places in Andalusia and Murcia
Ubeda and Baeza are two beautiful places in the region of Andalusia and Murcia. Ubeda and Baeza are situated just eight kilometers from one another and they are both designated as World Heritages by UNESCO.
They are both situated in Jaen Province and have been so designated because of their unique Renaissance architectural style.
Ubeda
Ubeda was built by Ubbadat al-Arab and used to be one of the most important cities in the Moorish region of Al-Andalus. After Fernando the 3rd conquered Ubeda in 1234, the city became the base of his fight against the Muslims, arriving at its peak in the 14th century when American gold was draining into Spain. The result was a group of buildings situated in the old part of the city that have not been touched by modern civilization, the same group that now attracts millions of tourists who are amazed by their beauty.
Situated on the beach, facing towards the El Salvador Church, the City Hall on its left and the Santa Maria, Palacia del Maeques de Mancero and the old barn on its right, Ubeda has been famous for a long time because of its dark green enamel ceramic objects.
Go towards Calle Valencia, just a few meters to the north of Puerta del Losal, one of the old gates of the city; here you will find the craftsmen at work. On your way there, make a stop at the San Pablo Church, situated in the old square, an early Gothic church decorated with beautifully sculptured portals.
Baeza
Baeza, the cousin of Ubeda, has a similar Renaissance architectural heritage. The Renaissance buildings in Baeza are better integrated into the structure of the modern city than those in Ubeda, making Baeza look less like a museum and more like a place where the two periods have smoothly combined. If you want to see the most impressive building in Baeza, go to the Plaza Santa Cruz where you’ll find the exceptional Palacio de Jabalquinto.
The facade of the palace is a masterpiece of delicate Flamboyant sculpture, with diamond shaped ornaments. The social centre of Baeza is the Plaza de la Constitucion, an oval shaped square where people meet in order to spend some quality time together.
If you want to visit Spain, Baeza and Ubeda are two destinations that will definetely provide one of the most beautiful holidays you’ve ever had.