Úbeda

An amazing and perfectly preserved Renaissance town

Although past civilisations left their mark in Úbeda, the town is a unique example of Renaissance town planning and the Italianate style of the 15th and 16th centuries, when it was remodelled. Its amazing collection of palaces is a telling indication of the power of the nobility at the time. The perfect spot to start exploring the city is Plaza Vázquez de Molina, one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. Here you will see the Sacra Capilla de El Salvador (home of the only Michelangelo sculpture in Spain), the palace of Deán Ortega (now a Parador hotel), the Town Hall, the church of Santa María de los Reales Alcázares and the palace of the Marqués de Mancera.You should also see Plaza Primero de Mayo with the church of San Pablo—one of the oldest—and the Hospital Santiago, known as the “Escorial of Andalusia”. Another surprising secret of Úbeda is the Synagogue del Agua, hidden until its discovery in 2007. During the summer solstice, the sunlight enters here in such a special way that a cultural festival is organised to celebrate it.If you like sweeping views, go to the Redonda de Miradores, a walk which will show you why Úbeda is called the “city of a thousand hills”, or the viewpoints of San Lorenzo and San Francisco to see the Sierra Mágina and the “seas of olive trees” (in Jaén alone there are over 65 million olive trees!).

Olive oil: the liquid gold of Úbeda

Olive oil with the Sierra Mágina Designation of Origin is the star product of the area. Not surprisingly, it forms part of local specialities like andrajos (a dish of wheat cakes which usually includes cod and rabbit) and ochíos (bread rolls with paprika), and there is even an Olive Groves and Oil visitors’ centre. There you can join a tasting class or activities like tours of olive groves. But you can also enjoy the finest olive oil in the town’s tapas bars and restaurants, including unusual places such as a replica of an old railway carriage. Also, if you visit Úbeda during its Culinary Festival, “In the Renaissance”, (from January to March) you can try the dishes of another era. This isn’t the only event organised in the city – it also has a prestigious International Festival of Music and Dance (May-June) and a Renaissance Fiesta (July) with exhibitions, concerts and Renaissance dinners.One last tip: Úbeda is also famous for its artisanal workshops, so if you want a nice souvenir, have a look in its potteries where you can buy something unique and watch the potters at work.