The best traffic-free bike rides around Baeza

The Church of Santa María de los Reales Alcázares is located opposite the Palacio de las Cadenas, in Plaza Vázquez de Molina. Declared a National Monument and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, this collegiate church was built on the remains of the Great Mosque after the Reconquista (13th century). It is notable for its superimposition of styles, including Gothic, Mudéjar, Renaissance, Baroque, and Neo-Gothic. Visiting hours: Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM; Sundays, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Declared a National Monument in 1931, the cathedral stands on the site of an ancient Roman temple, later transformed into a Visigothic structure and then into a mosque after the arrival of the Muslims. In 1227, it became the cathedral seat under the Marian patronage of the Nativity. It acquired its Renaissance character in the 16th century, after more than half of the building collapsed in 1567. Andrés de Vandelvira and other important Andalusian architects imbued the cathedral with the classical style then prevalent in religious art. Until the end of the century, the temple was transformed piecemeal. The main portal was designed in 1587 by Juan Bautista Villalpando, featuring a relief of the Nativity of the Virgin, sculpted by the Jesuit Jerónimo del Prado from Baeza. The Puerta de la Luna (Moon Gate) is one of the oldest elements of the cathedral, with its distinctive 13th-century polylobed arch. Above it stands the 14th-century Gothic rose window, one of the few elements that survived the collapse of the cathedral in 1567. Therefore, the reconstruction was entrusted to Andrés de Vandelvira, who contributed his mastery to give the cathedral the Renaissance richness it boasts today. The combination of Mudéjar, Gothic, and Renaissance styles allows one to observe the passage of time through its walls, telling its story through each of its architectural styles. In addition to visiting the interior of the cathedral, it is highly recommended to climb the tower, from where you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the town and its surrounding countryside.

I recommend bringing a powerful light, the light only works in one of the tunnels.

Linares has Iberian roots, with the city of Cástulo as its original center, capital of Oretania. It was first mentioned as such in 1155, during the reign of Alfonso VII. In the 19th century, it experienced its greatest boom thanks to lead mining, becoming a key industrial center in Spain. In 1875, Alfonso XII granted it the title of city. In the 20th century, the automotive industry took center stage with Santana Motor, which manufactured the famous Land Rover Santana.

In 1978, a space in the convent of San Miguel was converted into a museum dedicated to Saint John of the Cross, displaying artifacts related to his life and work. We also find a perfect adaptation of the house where the saint and poet lived.

Built in 1587, it is in the Baroque architectural style and dedicated to Christian worship. Its interior features a Latin cross layout with three naves, and the main altar features contemporary paintings alluding to the Archangel Saint Michael. Although it may seem strange, it is the only building in the town erected in honor of the patron saint of Ubeda.

This iconic street was made pedestrian-only several years ago to enhance the city center, where shops are concentrated offering visitors a variety of products, from prized Extra Virgin olive oil to ceramics and other objects.

This emblematic street in Baeza was laid out on part of the old wall that surrounded the city, becoming definitively configured in 1714, and throughout its existence, it has been an important backbone of the city of Baeza.