Tourist Information from Baeza, Jaén, Spain

General Information:

Baeza is a municipality from the province of Jaen, in Andalusia, Spain. Baeza is still the city that was immortalized in the verses of Antonio Machado, which are ever present in this city of distinguished churches and stately homes. Arriving at the entrance along the “carretera de Jaén” (road), visitors come across the Plaza de los Leones (Plaza of the Lions), known in the 17th century as the Plaza del Pópulo. The Civil Court and the Public Notary’s Office stand in the centre of the plaza. The Plaza del Mercado has served as a meeting place for the residents of the city since the 16th century. The Arco del Barbudo (arch) opens in the porches of the plaza and climbs to the old University. One of Baeza’s most singular features takes the form of the Iglesia de la Santa Cruz, the only late Romanesque church in Andalusia. The Palacio de Jabalquinto stands directly in front of the church. The Cathedral, which was constructed over a site formerly occupied by a Moorish mosque, lies close to this area. The Renaissance façade leads onto three wide naves and attention should be drawn to the grille, the work of the master smith Bartolomé, and the Monstrance, a jewel of the Spanish Baroque period.

Tourist Guides:

· APIT: Provincial Association of Official Tourist Guides. Úbeda-Baeza Office: 953 79 28 51 / 677 49 54 98. Fax: 953 79 28 51. apitubedabaeza@tiscali.es

· ATLANTE TURISMO: Baeza Office: Plaza de los Leones, s/n. 23440. 953 74 15 61 Fax: 953 79 34 22. www.atlanteturismo.com

· PÓPULO: Plaza de los Leones, 1. 23.440. 953 74 43 70 / 677 46 12 06. populo@populo.es, www.populo.es

Monuments:

· Santa Iglesia Catedral: The cathedral was built over a site that was formerly occupied by a mosque. The Puerta del Perdón (a 15th-century doorway) boasts a Gothic style, whilst the main façade was constructed in the Renaissance style. In the interior, attention should be drawn to the grilles, the work of the master smith Bartolomé, the pulpit and the Baroque main altar. Plaza de Santa María, s/n. 23440. 953 74 41 57. OPENING HOURS: Winter Monday to sunday: 10.30 to 13.00h and 16.00 to 18.00h. Mass: Monday to friday and sundays: 18.00h. Summer: Monday to sunday: 10.30 to 13.00h and de 17.00 to 19.00h. Mass: Monday to friday and sundays: 19.00h.

· Palacio de Jabalquinto: The building, dating back to the 15th century, boasts an Isabelline Gothic style. The façade is crowned by a Renaissance gallery. In the interior, attention should be drawn to the sober Renaissance patio with an imposing Baroque stairway. Plaza Santa Cruz, s/n. 23440. 953 74 27 75. OPENING HOURS: Monday to Friday: 9.00 to 14.00h.

· Iglesia de la Santa Cruz: Erected in the 12th century, this is one of the few Romanesque churches in Andalusia. The southern façade possesses characteristics typical of the architecture of Salamanca. The church boasts a semicircular apse and a sanctuary with a halfbarrel vault, whilst in the interior, visitors can admire the Visigothic horseshoe arch. Plaza Santa Cruz, s/n. 23440. OPENING HOURS: Monday to Saturday: 11.00 to 13.00h and 16.00 to 18.00h. Sundays and holidays: 12.00 a 14.00h.

· Antigua Universidad e Iglesia de San Juan Evangelista: This building was erected in the 17th century and boasts a Mannerist façade. It possesses a beautiful patio that houses a monument commemorating Antonio Machado, who taught French grammar in the university between 1912 and 1919. Visits are organized to the Machado Room and the auditorium of the university. Beato de Ávila, s/n. 23440. OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday: 10.00 to 14.00h and 16.00 to 19.00h.

· Antiguo Seminario San Felipe Neri: The seminary was founded in 1660 by the bishop of Jaén, Fernando Andrade de Castro, and ceased to function in this capacity in 1969. Attention should be drawn to the patio with its sturdy Tuscan columns and series of double arches. Antonio Machado Centre of the International University of Andalucía. Plaza Santa María, s/n. 23440. Exterior visit. The patio: during teaching hours.

· Old Abattoir : This civil architecture monument was constructed in 1547 and operated as an abattoir up until the second half of the 20th century. The upper storey was probable used to dry skins. The building is crowned by an enormous coat of arms of Emperor Charles V. Offices of the Courts (16th century). Plaza del Pópulo, s/n. 23440. Exterior visit.

· Civil Court and Public Notary’s Office The building presents a plateresque façade dating back to the 16th century. The building currently houses the Tourist Office of the Provincial Council of Andalusia. Plaza del Pópulo, s/n. 23440. OPENING HOURS: Winter: Monday to Friday. 8.30 to 15.00h and 16.00 a 19.00h. Sundays and holidays. 10.00 to 14.00h. Summer: Monday to Friday: 9.00 to 19.00h. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. 10.00 to 14.00h.

· Old Jail and Lawcourts: This civil stately building in the plateresque style was designed by Vandelvira in the 16th century. The building currently houses the City Hall. The ground floor possesses two doors: the door on the left leads to the old jail, whilst the door on the right, which is more elaborate with plateresque decoration, leads to the Courtroom and Offices of the Judge. Cardenal Benavides, 1. 23440. Exterior visits arranged via telephone number 953 74 01 50.

· Ruinas del Convento de San Francisco: The convent was designed by Vandelvira and was once covered by an enormous cross vault, although now only the walls remain. Restoration work was carried out at the end of the last century. The left wall of the chapel remains standing and the lower chapels of the subjacent altar, which formed the base of the main altar. The remainder of the building dates back to the 17th century. The building currently houses the Municipal Auditorium. San Francisco, 14. 23440. Exterior visit.

· Barbican of Úbeda: This Almohad tower dates back to the 12th century. It forms part of a complex defensive system whereby the tower was linked to the battlements via a bridge. The battlements join up with another tower referred to as “El Torrico”. The barbican currently houses the Medieval Baeza Visitors Centre. Puerta de Úbeda, s/n. 23440. tel. 953 74 43 70. OPENING HOURS: 10.30 to 14.00h and 16.30 to 19.30h. Closed on Wednesdays and Sunday evenings.

Museums:

· MUSEO CATEDRALICIO: Sacred art, painting, sculpture, gold and silverware, books. Plaza de Santa María, 1. 23440. tel. 953 74 41 57. OPENING HOURS: Winter: 10.30 to 13.00h and de 16.00 to 18.00h. Summer: 10.30 to 13.00h and 17.00 to 19.00h.

· MUSEO DE BAEZA: History of the city, fittings and furniture, painting and sculpture. Contemporary art collection. Tel. 953 74 15 82. www.baeza.net OPENING HOURS: Winter: Tuesday to Sunday 10.00 to 14.00h and 17.00 to 21.00h. Summer: Tuesday to Sunday 10.00 to 14.00h and 16.00 to 20.00h. Closed on Mondays, Sundays, holidays and in the evening.

· MUSEO DE LA CULTURA DEL ACEITE: Evolution of the press and olive mills. Puente del Obispo. 23529. Complejo Hacienda La Laguna, s/n. tel. 953 76 51 42. www.museodelaculturadelolivo.com OPENING HOURS: Winter: 10.30 to 13.30 and 16.00 to 18.30h. Autumn and Spring: 10.30 to 13.30 and 16.30 to 19.00h. Summer: 10.30 to 13.30 and 17.30 to 20.00h.

• CENTRO DE INTERPRETACIÓN RENACE BAEZA: Tourist information on the city. Antiguo Pósito. La Barbacana, s/n. 23440. tel. 953 74 21 25. OPENING HOURS: Winter: Monday to Sunday. 10.30 to 14.00h and 17.00 to 20.00h. Closed on Sunday evenings. Summer: Monday to Sunday. 10.30 to 13.30h and 17.30 a 20.00h.

• CENTRO DE INTERPRETACIÓN TORREÓN PUERTA DE ÚBEDA: The centre provides information on medieval Baeza. Puerta de Úbeda, s/n. 23440. tel. 953 74 43 70. OPENING HOURS: Winter: Monday to Sunday: 10.00 to 14.00h and 16.00 a 18.30h. Summer: Monday to Sunday: 10.00 to 13.30h and 17.30 to 20.00h.