Jaen Property - Zones and Maps - Ubeda and Baeza
Towns and Villages
- Ubeda
- Torreperogil
- Sabiote
- Rus
- Canena
- Ibros
- Lupion
- Baeza
- Begijar
Map of Ubeda and Baeza
In the heart of the Jaén province, the towns of Úbeda and Baeza are two of Andalucía’s best kept secrets. Crammed with renaissance masterpieces of palaces and cathedrals, churches and hospitals, these towns achieved great prosperity during the 16th century and were later virtually forgotten. Surrounded by a landscape of olive groves dotted with hilltop villages and castles, Úbeda and Baeza are fascinating, little visited places that are a joy to explore.
Úbeda
A town with a rich history and numerous buildings of architectural interest, Úbeda is situated on the slopes of a hill in a landscape of olive groves that roll towards the Sierra de Cazorla in the east. Úbeda was important in Moorish times when the town was surrounded by walls and a castle was built here. During the 16th century Úbeda enjoyed a period of prosperity due to its textile industry and due to the important political positions of some of its nobility. The two families, the Cobos and the Molinas were responsible for the majority of the fine renaissance architecture in the town, much of it designed by Andrés de Vandelvira who was born in Úbeda.
The main square of Úbeda is known as the Plaza de Andalucía and is situated just outside the old town walls. The Torre del Reloj on the southern side of the square is a part of the old fortifications of Úbeda. Southeast of the square, Calle Real takes you down into the old part of town, crammed with renaissance masterpieces. The Palacio de las Cadenas is one of Vandelvira’s finest works and now serves as the town hall. Other buildings of note include the Casa de las Torres, a 16th century building that is now an art school, the Church of San Lorenzo, the church of Santa María de las Reales Alcázares and the Chapel of San Salvador, one of the most interesting buildings in Úbeda.
The north of Úbeda consists of a number of unattractive, tall tower blocks. It is in this area that the Church of San Nicolas de Bari stands, a 14th century building. And the Hospital of Santiago, designed by Vandelvira.
The road running through the north of the town used to be an important communications route between Andalucía and eastern Spain. When this route ceased to be used, Úbeda became somewhat isolated and it has retained a reputation for being secluded to this day.
The traditional handicrafts of Úbeda are basketwork and ceramics, hand embroidered mats and ironwork. The Parador in Úbeda is a 16th century palace that was converted into a hotel in 1930.
Úbeda is 35km to the northeast of Jaén in the middle of the Jaén province. The nearest airport is at Granada, 130km to the south.
Torreperogil
An attractive town of 7500 inhabitants, Torreperogil contains the notable parish Church of La Asunción, a gothic building that was added to in the 16th century. On the 6th June, Corpus Christi parades take place across Jaén and in Torreperogil, the streets are brightly decorated with flowers and petals. Torreperogil is 7km east of Úbeda on the N322 road.
Sabiote
A village perched on top of a hill overlooking the surrounding countryside and the Sierra Cazorla just to the east, Sabiote is a lovely, unspoilt place. The streets are cobbled and most of the medieval walls that once completely encircled the village still remain. In the centre of the village stands the parish church of San Pedro Apostól with a plateresque carved doorway. There are some fine renaissance buildings in the village with striking 16th century facades. The 13th century Moorish castle was originally rebuilt by the Romans in 16th century by Vandelvira.
A village of 4000 inhabitants, Sabiote has limited amenities but is just 6km from Úbeda.
Baeza
Another important historical town crammed with renaissance jewels, Baeza sits atop a hill a few kilometres from Úbeda with views over to its neighbour and to the Sierra Cazorla in the southeast. Baeza was a significant Roman town and later an important Moorish town when it was the flourishing capital of a large city state. During the 16th century, Baeza’s fortunes followed those of Úbeda and along with an increase in population came a flood of wealth when Baeza’s textile and cattle raising economy swelled and thrived. A university was established in Baeza at this time, and remained open until 1824. Baeza doesn’t have as many renaissance buildings as Úbeda but it has been less blighted by modern 20th century development than its neighbour.
The main square of Baeza is lined with bars and cafes and it comes to life at night. To the west of the main square is the Plaza de Pópulo, a well-preserved renaissance square with a fountain at its centre. At one end is a stone archway adjacent to one of the old gates into the town, known as the Puerta de Jaén. Behind this square is the old, quiet area of Baeza that rises up to the top of the hill on which the cathedral stands. The 13th century cathedral was built on a site of a former mosque. It was completed in the 16th century by Vandelvira. Other buildings of note in the town include the Jabalquinto palace with its gothic façade, baroque staircase and renaissance courtyard, the old university and a number of other renaissance churches and palaces.
With a population of 15000, Baeza is smaller and quieter than Úbeda. It contains a number of bars, restaurants, shops and amenities. Baeza is 6km west of Úbeda on the N322 main road.
Rus
In the hills behind Úbeda and Baeza is the village of Rus with a population of 4000. The popular fiesta of Los Mozos is held here on 22nd September each year. Rus is 8km northwest of Úbeda.
Canena is practically adjacent to Rus. It has an interesting castle with large built of salmon pink stone that is one of the best preserved in Andalucía. Canena has a population of 2000 and is located 10km from Úbeda
Just south of Canena is Ibros, a pretty village of 3000 inhabitants that contains the parish church of San Pedro y San Pablo. Ibros is 4km from Baeza. South of Ibros are the villages of Lupión (1000 inhabitants) and Begijar (3000 inhabitants). Begijar is situated a kilometre from the N322 main road, 4km west of Baeza.