Sights in Úbeda

Úbeda lies in Andalusia, more precisely in the province of Jaén, nestled in a landscape typical of the region. The city is known for its historical significance and its magnificent Renaissance architecture. By car, the neighbouring town of Baeza is only about a quarter of an hour away, and the two places share a joint UNESCO distinction.

Úbeda’s roots go back a long way, but its golden age in the Renaissance was particularly formative, when the city was regarded as a centre of humanist ideas and artistic innovation. A famous son of the city was Saint John of the Cross, who died here in 1591. Later, Úbeda developed into a place that still bears witness to this cultural era.

Today the city attracts visitors mainly because of its unique buildings. A Renaissance palace on Plaza de Vázquez Molina now houses a Parador hotel, while the Hospital de Santiago from the 16th century and the Casa de Dávalos, which contains the city museum, are further highlights. The singer and writer Zahara, who comes from Úbeda, also represents the city’s modern culture.