Úbeda, Renaissance city in Andalusia, Spain
Úbeda is a small town in Jaén Province, in northeastern Andalusia, known for its well-preserved Renaissance old town. The honey-colored stone buildings cluster around several plazas, with church towers and palace facades shaping the skyline of the upper town.
The area was already settled during the Bronze Age, but the present town structure took shape after Christian forces retook the region in the 13th century. In the 16th century, powerful noble families commissioned the palaces and churches that still define the townscape today.
The name comes from the Arabic word for a fortified settlement on a hillside, reflecting centuries of Moorish rule before Christian reconquest. Today, locals refer to the historic center simply as el casco antiguo when guiding visitors through the narrow stone streets.
The old town is easy to explore on foot, as most sights lie within a few minutes of each other. Steep lanes and uneven cobblestones call for sturdy shoes, and a visit early in the morning or late afternoon works best during the hot summer months.
Below the Sacra Capilla del Salvador lies an underground crypt accessible only during special guided tours. The space is decorated with elaborate stucco work and served as the burial chamber for the founding family.
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