Úbeda is just a short drive from Baeza. Both were made into a UNESCO heritage site in 2003. As with all southern Spain cities, it passed hands through Moors and Christians. It reached a peak of construction during the Moorish rule. The Christian conquest was by King Fernando 2nd the Saint in 1233. Úbeda spent a fair bit of time with the Moors, Jews and Christians all living together. Much like Baeza, the 16th century had the greatest economic growth and stability as a result of agricultural production. Most of the significant buildings in the city were built in this time. The Sacra Capilla del Salvador del Mundo is the single-tower funerary temple at the end of a rather grand plaza. It was already siesta when we got there, so we didn’t get to go inside. We did get to see the Collegiate Church of Santa María de los Reales Álcazares that was very beautiful. It was quite the hodge-podge of architectural styles having Mudejar, Gothic, and Baroque all within 50 feet of each other. There is also evidence of Bronze Age elements and Roman pieces from it being a site for a temple to the goddess Diana. The audio guide used the phrase “spruce it up” when referring to one of the many people in charge of the church to make it look better. The whole building was very oddly shaped with all the add-ons. The Hospital de Santiago that has the beautiful tile cap to the tower. In June and July the town celebrates a Renaissance festival for a full week to relive the splendor of its 16th century grandeur. The main foods for the area are made from local vegetables and small game. Olive oil is a significant ingredient for all recipes as well. The cloistered convents also make signature cakes that we were able to find and were delicious, very similar to butter cookies.
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