What brings visitors to Ubeda and Baeza?

People come to Ubeda and the neighboring town of Baeza for the beautiful scenery and architecture. These towns are situated on a mesa in between the Guadalquivir and the Guadalimar Rivers, and in these towns you can find some of the most beautiful examples of Renaissance-era architecture in Andalucia. In the 16th century, public servants from the town of Ubeda began their service to the Spanish monarchy, and as a result they were able to curry favor and patronage for their hometown and for neighboring Baeza. The buildings were the first of their kind in Spain, and were later replicated in places like Seville, Granada, and places even farther afield.

There are over 100 buildings and 48 monuments in Ubeda and Baeza that are included in UNESCO's listing of the towns as a World Heritage Site. Some of the sights you can't miss in Ubeda include Vasquez de Molina Square, the Palacio de las Cadenas, the Basilica de Santa Maria de los Reales Alcazares, El Salvador Chapel, and the Hospital de Santiago, among others. In Baeza, the Palacio de Jabalquinto incorporates a number of various architectural styles with the popular Renaissance style of the time. Other points of interest in Baeza include the city hall, the Fuente de los Leones, the Catedral de la Natividad de Nuestra Señora, and Baeza University.

What are the outdoor activities to do in La Loma de Ubeda?

There are 12 walking and hiking trails in and around Ubeda and Baeza which are great for all experience types. The best outdoor activity we recommend is walking through the towns and soaking in all of the historic architecture, ranging from the basilicas in both towns to the historic Water Synagogue, featuring a ritual bath area.

What are the nightlife offerings in Ubeda and Baeza?

Between them, Ubeda and Baeza boast roughly two dozen bars and pubs. Ubeda's are scattered throughout the city, while in Baeza you will find more of them south and east of the Plaza de España. The most popular places in Ubeda are Pop Beltraneja (Calle Alcolea 6) and En Carne Viva (Calle Baja del Salvador 7). Coffee Central Theater (Calle Obispo Narvaez 19) is the place to see and be seen in Baeza. Last orders occurs at 3 a.m. during the week and 4 a.m. on weekends in both towns.

What can I do with kids in La Loma de Ubeda? What are some of the alternative attractions to enjoy such as museums, theaters, etc.?

La Loma de Ubeda is a great place for kids who are fascinated by history and archaeology. In addition to the Renaissance-era old towns in both locales, the Archaeological Museum of Ubeda (Calle Cervantes 6) is a great place for kids to get up-close and personal with history in a way that isn't even possible walking the streets of town. A fun walking tour of Baeza with the little ones can start at the picturesque Plaza del Pópulo. The performing arts venues in this region are the Teatro Montemar (Calle Cozar) in Baeza, and two in Ubeda, namely the Hospital Auditorium Santiago and the Teatro SAFA. An independent cinema exists in Baeza and mainstream movie theaters can be found in Ubeda.

What is the culture and lifestyle (traditions, festivals) like in La Loma de Ubeda?

These beautiful towns are perfect for stopping by, relaxing, and sauntering while on your way to the coast or west to Jaén.

La Loma de Ubeda is perhaps best-known for their "ferias" (festivals). The first feria occurs for a week in mid-August in Baeza, followed by another feria in late September in Ubeda. These ferias culminate in the feast days for the Virgen de Alcazar in Baeza (August 15) and San Miguel in Ubeda (October 4). Ubeda is also the home of the Renaissance Festival, held in late June and early July, ending on July 3 which is the day in 2003 that Ubeda and Baeza were both named a joint World Heritage Site.