Ubeda

About the city of Ubeda

When you come to Ubeda, you will have an impression that you have returned to the past due to numerous historic sites.

Ubeda is a city in the autonomous community of Andalusia. It is part of the province of Jaén and the name of the city has Arab origin (Ubbeda). Ubeda has about 33,000 inhabitants.

The city has been added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

History of Ubeda

Ubeda was founded around 200 BC and it was a pre-Roman settlement.

It is one of the best preserved Renaissance towns in which you can see typical representatives of this style such as numerous churches, cathedrals, streets, houses, etc… Most of the city was built in the 16th century. Everything was designed by famous Renaissance architect Andrés de Vandelvira.

Thanks to Francisco de los Cobos, who was born in this city and who later became the king’s secretary, Ubeda was completely re- built in the renaissance style.

Historic sites

Ubeda has a unique collection of the Spanish Renaissance buildings and above all, it has a breathtaking renaissance square – the Plaza de Vázquez de Molina. There can be found many other impressive buildings such as the Palacio de las Vazquez de Molina and the Gothic church of Santa María Churchof. On this square you will also find The Chapel of the Savior and The funerary Shrine of Francisco de los Cobos.

The town’s Conference Hall is situated in the former hospital designed by Vandelvira. However, this hall is actually a beautiful white building with a wide Renaissance courtyard.

Ubeda has 48 Renaissance monuments.

However, Ubeda has many buildings that are not built in the period of Renaissance. Arab walls were built in the 9th century and more than half of these walls and a doorway have survived through history.

City’s Attractions

If you want to experience the true spirit of Ubeda, you need to visit it during its fiestas.

Fair Tapa is held in September, it offers a wide variety of appetizers of Spanish cuisine called Tapas, and above all you get them for free. In the spirit of tradition, the city still maintains a food festival – Renaissance Food Festival.

There are many other festivals as well. “Ciudad de Ubeda”, for example, is an international music festival held each spring in Ubeda. However, the greatest festival is a religious festival of the Holy Week in Ubeda.