Baeza – the Exemplar Renaissance City (Spain)

Overview

The historic town Baeza is located in the Jaén province in Andalucía; this town is surrounded by the largest olive plantation in Europe and is very near to one of the best national parks – El Parque Nacional de Cazorla – in Spain. The population of this town is about 15000.
This town did exist during the Roman times and it was called Beatia. Nowadays it is well known for its well-maintained Italian Renaissance architecture in Spain. This town was included in the World Heritage Site list in the year 2003.

The European Council has named Baeza as an Exemplar Renaissance City.

Baeza is tiny, compact and provincial with a kind of perpetual Sunday air about it. At its heart is the combined Plaza Mayor and the paseo which is flanked by pavement cafes but delightfully low key and atmospheric. The Plaza de Leones is a particularly attractive cobbled square enclosed by Renaissance buildings and stands slightly back at the far end. Here on a rounded balcony the first mass of the Reconquest is reputed to have been celebrated, the impressive mansion beneath it houses the tourist office.
History

In the 9th century this ancient city was under the occupation of Moors and in the 13th century the Christian Kingdoms re-conquered this town. In the 16th century this town was changed to the Renaissance style that was emerging at that time. Architects began to incorporate Italian urban design ideas in this place.

Climate

The maximum and minimum temperatures in this city are 34 °C in July-August and 2 °C in January.

Art and Culture

The monuments and museums in this place are as follows:

1. Marquessa de Jabalquinto – was one of the finest palaces and is at present used as a seminary; the Isabelline front differentiates it from other Moorish designs.
2. 16th century Cathedral – has iron screens painted by craftsmen of 16th century. This also has a large silver custodia kept behind the St. Peter painting and the painting revolves to show the silver custodia for a small donation.
3. National Park of Cazorla – gives visitors opportunities to unwind themselves by looking at various sceneries – green valleys, mountains, wild deer, mountain goats, wild boar, vultures, eagles, foxes, rabbits, squirrels, etc.
4. Olive oil museum – displays the technology – old and new – for extracting olive oil from the fruit.
5. Iglesia de la Santa Cruz – is a beautiful Romanesque church built in the 13th century.
6. Palacio de Jabalquinto – is a palace built in the 16th century that has a Gothic façade and a patio of Renaissance style.

Cuisine

Olive oil is largely used in the cuisine in this town. The traditional local dishes are roast lamb, migas, partridge, etc.

Sports and Entertainment

Some of the games played in this town are football, Archery and Adventure sports.

Shopping

The shops in the town of Baeza sell items of leatherwork and woodwork that are made locally. The town Ubeda is near Baeza and you can purchase carpets, ceramic items and ironwork from this place.