12 Best Things to Do in Baeza, Spain: UNESCO Town Guide (2026)

On a recent trip to Jaén, we took a detour and spent a full day in Baeza because so many of you recommended it, saying it was a town not to be missed for its beauty and rich history.

And you were right.

Wandering its cobbled streets feels like stepping into the Middle Ages. The historical centre has a timeless calm, and even the university, with its elegant stone façades, seems too beautiful to be real.

You'll be tempted to ditch the map and simply wander the streets instead. On our way to each attraction, we would keep choosing side alleys and detours because of the stone archways or beautiful doors.

With Úbeda just 10 minutes away and Jaén down the road, Baeza makes for an easy and rewarding stop that offers far more than its size suggests. I wish we'd stayed longer.

Is Baeza Worth Visiting?

Yes. Baeza is the kind of small city you think you'll spend two hours in, then you blink and it's sunset.

It's easy to see why it has UNESCO status: it feels like it hasn't changed in hundreds of years. The city was conquered by Christian forces on November 30, 1227, and what rose from that conquest is one of Spain's finest collections of Renaissance architecture.

Tourism isn't massive here.

People almost exclusively speak Spanish. The historic centre is packed with attractions that are easily walkable, and you won't have to push through crowds of people to enjoy them.

What Is Baeza Famous For?

Baeza is best known for its Renaissance architecture, much of which was shaped by the influence of the architect Andrés de Vandelvira and his school. Vandelvira's distinctive style - characterized by classical columns, medallions, and ornate façades - defines the city's appearance.

The city's historic centre is filled with palaces, noble houses, and a cathedral that reflect the elegance of 16th-century design.

It's also famous as the place where Antonio Machado, one of Spain's great poets, taught French from 1912 to 1919 after the death of his young wife Leonor. Baeza even witnessed a historic meeting between Machado and Federico García Lorca when the younger poet visited as a student.

Beyond the buildings, Baeza is surrounded by fragments of its once great medieval walls and gates, reminders of its strategic importance centuries ago.

The city sits in Jaén province, at the heart of Spain's olive oil industry - the province produces more olive oil than any country except Spain itself. You're never far from the sea of olive trees that defines the landscape.

For many, the panoramic views from the Paseo de las Murallas, where you can look out across the groves to the Sierra de Cazorla beyond, are reason enough to visit.

Baeza vs Other Andalusian Cities

Baeza is far enough from other major cities that it's not very touristy.

You can tell by just looking at the old cobbled roads, which are definitely not made for buses. This is telling when you try to speak to a local in a language other than Spanish! No real need to learn English here if you're a local.

Baeza is different because it's quiet, local, and frozen in time, untouched by heavy tourism.

This means prices are lower, and traditions like tapas with each drink are still common. You won't hear sirens or cars honking, just peace and quiet.

You will also find attractions open for much shorter time periods than other larger cities - check opening hours before you visit.

Map of Baeza's Attractions

Follow our footsteps in our custom map to Baeza's attractions.

12 Best Things to Do in Baeza

1. Climb the Cathedral Bell Tower

The Catedral de la Natividad de Nuestra Señora is undoubtedly Baeza's most famous landmark - and for good reason.

The cathedral stands on layers of history: Roman ruins, a Visigothic church, and an Islamic mosque all preceded the current Renaissance structure. The 50-meter bell tower may have originally been a minaret.

We immediately went for the stairs, which felt like 100 of them, all the way to the top of the bell tower, where you have 360-degree views of the entire city and the olive fields stretching to the Sierra de Cazorla. I recommend attempting this early in the morning to avoid the heat.

Don't miss inside:

• The Puerta de la Luna (Moon Door) - a stunning Gothic-Mudéjar doorway
• The bronze crystal chandelier in the transept
• The Gothic cloister with Mudéjar chapels
• The 360-degree VR experience at the entrance showing Baeza centuries ago

Tickets include the small museum, and if you're planning on visiting Jaén, you can buy a combined ticket and save 6 euros.

Visiting info: Check current hours at the Baeza tourism office. Expect to pay around €6-8 including tower access.

2. Plaza del Pópulo and the Lions Fountain

The square goes by two names, but everybody recognises the lions.

The Fuente de los Leones has a fascinating origin - the sculptures were brought from the ruins of Cástulo, an ancient Ibero-Roman city nearby. The central figure is said to represent Imilce, wife of Hannibal Barca.

The fountain has seen better days, with most of the lions now missing their faces, but it's still beautiful and historically significant.

Around the square you'll find:

• The Antigua Carnicería (old Butchers' building) with its elegant arcade
• The Puerta de Jaén and Arco de Villalar, commemorating the 1521 defeat of the Comuneros
• The tourist office where you can grab a paper map

You're also right at the centre plaza where all of the restaurants are.

Remember this, because there aren't many more in the area. For our restaurant picks, see our guide to eating in Baeza.

3. Paseo de las Murallas & Antonio Machado Viewpoint

Heidi & Jethro at the line of the vanished wall in Baeza

If you took the VR tour at the cathedral and saw the wall as it once was, here you can walk the line of the vanished walls and take in the views from atop them.

To your left, the city.

To your right, an endless checkerboard of olive trees stretching to the Guadalquivir valley. A bronze statue of Antonio Machado marks the route - he famously walked here and wrote about these views.

This would be a fantastic sunset spot if you time it right!

4. Paseo de la Constitución

Sadly, the plaza was undergoing construction when we visited.

Paseo de la Constitución is Baeza's social spine - a generous, arcaded promenade lined with bars, bakeries, and everyday life. This was once the market space, and it's what pulls the whole city together.

Look up at the Torre de los Aliatares (Clock Tower), a 25-meter medieval fortification dating from Al-Andalus that still presides over the square.

This was where we decided to have our brunch. We asked the owner to bring us something local, and we ended up eating Pork Espetada (grilled pork skewer) with chips!

If you want to try something local, then an ochío roll should be on your list - it's a traditional bread tinted and scented with local olive oil and a whisper of anise. You'll find it in bakeries around the square.

5. Palacio de Jabalquinto

The façade alone is worth the detour - and many consider it one of the most beautiful in all of Spain. It's all diamond points and pinched ornament in the Isabelline Gothic style (late 15th century), bordering on lacework carved in stone.

Inside is a Renaissance courtyard with clean lines and a graceful staircase - a perfect contrast to the ornate exterior.

The building now houses the headquarters of the Universidad Internacional de Andalucía, so you'll often see students drifting through the historic halls. The courtyard is usually accessible during opening hours.

6. Iglesia de Santa Cruz

Another landmark we weren't able to enter because we lingered too long elsewhere, this church is one of the very few Romanesque churches in Andalucía - most were rebuilt in later styles.

Modest, sturdy, and deeply photogenic.

Inside, you'll find a semicircular apse and faint traces of early 16th-century frescoes. It sits directly opposite the Palacio de Jabalquinto, creating a striking contrast between Romanesque simplicity and Gothic exuberance.

The south door is still the original door, hundreds of years old and remarkably preserved.

7. Seminario de San Felipe Neri & the Vítores

Red letter inscriptions - vítores - on the seminary façade

Built in 1660, this former seminary now forms part of the International University of Andalusia. I still can't believe students get to study in these historic halls.

Its façade is marked with vítores - red-letter inscriptions painted by university students to commemorate graduations, academic honours, or sometimes cheeky social critiques and inter-city rivalries with Úbeda.

They might look like graffiti at first glance, but they're part of a long-standing academic tradition, and many have survived for centuries. Look closely and you'll see different styles and dates.

If the building is open, it's worth a peek inside.

8. Medieval Gates: Puerta de Úbeda & Torre Albarrana

The city gates are some of the oldest parts of Baeza, remnants of its 12th-century Almohad fortifications.

The Puerta de Úbeda features the impressive Torre Albarrana, which now houses the Medieval Interpretation Centre. This museum provides excellent context for understanding how formidable Baeza's defenses once were - something you can visualize more clearly after the cathedral's VR tour.

The Puerta de Jaén and Arco de Villalar commemorate Charles V's victory over the Comuneros revolt in 1521.

If you love ruins, swing by the remains of the Convento de San Francisco (designed by Vandelvira) and the old market site.

9. Antonio Machado Classroom & Literary Trail

The poet came to teach French in 1912, seeking solace after his young wife Leonor died of tuberculosis. He stayed until 1919, and during this time wrote "Campos de Castilla" and his "Complete Poems."

Baeza has honoured him by preserving his teaching space in the Antigua Universidad (one of Spain's main universities from 1542 to 1825). You can visit the preserved classroom to see wooden desks, inky maps, and the original chalkboard.

The Machado Route:

• His preserved classroom at the old university
• The bronze statue of Machado on a bench along Paseo de las Murallas
• Plaques marking his residence on Calle San Pablo
• The café where he wrote (now a cultural space)

Baeza also witnessed a historic meeting between Machado and a young Federico García Lorca, who visited as a student. Two of Spain's greatest poets, connected by this small town.

10. Plaza de Santa María

The most monumental of Baeza's three main squares, Plaza de Santa María is dominated by the cathedral and the beautiful Fuente de Santa María (1564) - considered one of the most beautiful Renaissance fountains in Andalucía.

The square also features the Seminario de San Felipe Neri (mentioned above) and several historic buildings with royal coats of arms. It's the perfect place to sit and absorb the Renaissance atmosphere.

11. Olive Oil Tasting

You can't visit Baeza without tasting the local extra virgin olive oil. Jaén province produces more olive oil than any country except Spain itself, and the oils here are exceptional.

You don't need a full mill tour if time is tight.

Many shops near Paseo de la Constitución offer tastings where you'll learn the difference between fruity, bitter, and peppery profiles. Ask for a flight that includes an early-harvest picual (the dominant local variety).

Tips:

• Take tins rather than glass bottles for the journey home
• If self-driving, call ahead to small family mills for private tastings
• Look for Denominación de Origen Sierra de Cazorla on labels

12. Museo de la Cultura del Olivo

For a deeper dive into olive culture, visit the Museo de la Cultura del Olivo at the historic Hacienda La Laguna (about 5km outside town).

The museum features:

• A garden with over 30 olive tree varieties from around the world
• Original 19th-century olive oil production equipment
• A working mill demonstration
• Wine cellar and tastings

It's a worthwhile detour if you have your own transport and want to understand why this region calls itself the "world capital of olive oil."

Best Restaurants in Baeza

Extra virgin olive oil is the star of Baeza's cuisine. Look for local dishes like lomo de orza (preserved pork), bacalao a la baezana (local-style cod), and hearty stews like potaje and andrajos.

These are some of the best restaurants in Baeza:

• Taberna Xavi - excellent tapas and local wines
• Café Enoteca Aliatares - wine bar with quality nibbles
• La Clave Music Bar - relaxed atmosphere with good food
• El Trillo Restaurante - traditional Andalusian cuisine

And don't miss the sweet side: try ochío bread from local bakeries, or even olive oil ice cream if you can find it.

For more detailed recommendations, see our full guide to eating in Baeza.

If you're hopping to Úbeda for dinner, plan a late reservation. Kitchens here run on Spanish time (lunch 2-4pm, dinner from 9pm).

Where to Stay in Baeza

Hotel Puerta de la Luna - tucked near the cathedral in a historic palace, classic rooms and a courtyard to unwind.

TRH Ciudad de Baeza - a former convent turned comfortable mid-range stay. Walkable to everything.

Budget guesthouses - around Plaza de España or San Pablo. Family-run, clean, and close to cafés.

Stay central in the historic centre if you can. For more options, see our full guide to staying in Baeza.

Day Trips from Baeza

Úbeda (10 minutes)

Sister city and the perfect pairing - they share UNESCO World Heritage status for good reason. Just 10km away, you can cycle between them on a dedicated 8.5km path, or drive in under 15 minutes.

In Úbeda, you'll find the stunning Capilla del Salvador, palatial façades, artisan pottery workshops, and an even stronger dining scene. Many visitors do both towns in a long day, but an overnight allows you to enjoy each at a relaxed pace.

Jaén (50km)

We wrote a full guide to things to do in Jaén. In the pro

vincial capital, you'll discover a grand cathedral, the largest Arab Baths in Spain at Villardompardo, and the hilltop Castillo de Santa Catalina with views that stretch for days. It's an easy 45-minute bus or 30-minute car ride from Baeza.

Castillo de Burgalimar (40 minutes)

We made the trip to Castillo de Burgalimar in Baños de la Encina on the way back to Jaén. It added 40 minutes to the journey, but it was totally worth it.

This is Spain's oldest castle - a 10th-century Caliphate fortress with fifteen stout towers and almost no crowds.

Parque Natural de Cazorla

Baeza sits at the edge of Spain's largest protected natural area.

The Sierra de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas offers stunning mountain scenery, forested river valleys, and excellent hiking. It's about 45 minutes to the park entrance - worth a full day if you have time.

Festivals in Baeza

Timing is everything, so check dates locally. These are notable festivals in Baeza:

• Semana Santa (March/April) - processions wind through stone lanes with candles and drums
• Corpus Christi (June) - floral carpets and ceremony in the historic centre
• Feria de Baeza (August) - the main summer fair with bullfighting, music, and celebrations
• National Jumping Competition (August) - equestrian events
• Virgen de la Yedra Pilgrimage (first Saturday in September) - local religious tradition
• Festival de Música Antigua de Úbeda y Baeza (late autumn) - world-class early music shared between the two towns

How to Get to Baeza

For help navigating the town, see our guide to getting around Baeza. And check out day trips from Baeza for more ideas on exploring the region.

By train: The nearest station is Linares-Baeza (about 15km away). Buses connect the station to Baeza town centre.

By bus: ALSA runs services from Jaén (45 minutes), Granada (2.5 hours), Madrid (4 hours), and Málaga (3.5 hours). The bus station is on Alcalde Puche Pardo, roughly a 10-minute walk to the old town.

By car: Easy access from the A-316. Park on the edges and walk in - streets are narrow and prettier without your bumper. Free parking available near the bullring and at the edges of the historic centre.

Nearest airports:

• Granada (150km)
• Málaga (250km)
• Madrid (340km)

Getting around: Everything in the historic centre is walkable. Bring comfortable shoes - cobblestones are unforgiving by hour six.

Final Thoughts

Baeza surprised us with its scale of detail.

You think "small town," then you cross Plaza de Santa María, glance up at the cathedral, and realise the city wears a bigger history than its map suggests.

Between cathedrals and cafés, gates and viewpoints, it offers a full day that feels unhurried by tourist crowds. The free tapas tradition is alive, the olive oil is exceptional, and the architecture genuinely stops you in your tracks.

If you're road-tripping through Andalucía, give Baeza the better part of a day. You won't regret it.