We continue to discover cities recognized as World Heritage by UNESCO. After our recent visit to Caceres, this time we take you in the motorhome to the heart of the province of Jaén. This interior paradise keeps two treasures that served as inspiration for artists and poets. We talk about ubeda and baeza, two essential places if you pass through this area of ​​Andalusia and which are summits of Renaissance art in Spain.

Discover with us the charms of these two towns in Jaén and, as always, we will tell you where to spend the night with your vehicle a few kilometers away.

Úbeda, city of Renaissance palaces and churches

The cultural heritage of the city of Úbeda is exceptional. Its historic center brings together some of the best examples of Renaissance architecture in Spain (if you studied Art History in high school, you will know what we are talking about), starting with the Sacred Chapel of the Savior, a church designed by Diego de Siloé and completed by Andrés de Vandelvira, which has nothing to envy of the splendid constructions of this artistic period that we find in Italy. Next to it, in the Plaza Vázquez de Molina, is the Palace of Dean Ortega (also from Vandelvira) and the Collegiate Church of Santa María de los Reales Alcázares. This last construction not only stands out for the aforementioned Renaissance architecture, but also houses vestiges of the Bronze Age, a Roman temple and a Muslim mosque, which is why it has had a place of worship for millennia.

But the thing is not here, neither for the plaza, nor for Andrés de Vandelvira. The Spanish architect was also commissioned by Vázquez de Molina (who you have already seen gives his name to the famous square) to design what is known as Palace of Chains, today the city's town hall. Without a doubt, this is another of the most famous buildings in Úbeda.

The best of all is that much more awaits us in the rest of Úbeda. Take note of these other essential places!

• Santiago Hospital, one of the most beautiful buildings in the area and which has currently become the epicenter of the cultural life of Úbeda.
• The House of Towers, considered the oldest palace in the town.
• Andalusian House Museum, which will take us to a mansion that brings together Renaissance and Mudejar elements, as well as medieval pieces from the Arab, Christian and Jewish cultures.
• Water Synagogue, discovered by chance a few years ago, highlighting the Mikveh area, where purification baths were carried out.

Of course, there are many other palaces and churches that, if you have time, you can take advantage of to visit and continue discovering the history of the monumental city of Úbeda. And, to finish your visit, don't miss out on climbing the walls, from where you will see the lush sea of ​​Jaen olive trees and the mountains of the Sierra Mágina.

Baeza, the city to which Antonio Machado dedicated some of his verses

The city of Baeza is another of the great artistic exponents of the province of Jaén, and not only for its monuments. For several years, it hosted the brilliant poet Antonio Machado, who dedicated several verses to Baeza and his surroundings. And no wonder! Its quiet, cobbled streets are a source of inspiration. We especially recommend those that surround the Cathedral, a set of alleys that will transport you to another era.

Talking about your Nativity Cathedral, which dates back to the 16th century, is another of the great exponents of the Spanish Renaissance. This artistic style is reflected in the architecture of other main buildings, such as the Church of Santa Cruz, the Convent of San Francisco, the Town Hall and the Church of San Andrés, in addition to numerous palaces, such as that of Jabalquinto, and in the squares of Santa María and Pópulo, with its famous Lions fountain. Altogether, we have a monumental treasure of exceptional quality that has earned Baeza the great honor of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Going back to Antonio Machado, the old university was in its time the Baccalaureate Institute, where he taught classes. Today it is an interpretive center for the work of the Sevillian writer and you can even visit the classroom where he taught French Grammar classes. Afterwards, we will only have to remember this evocative journey with the words of Machado himself: «Campo de Baeza, / I will dream of you / when I don't see you!«.

Stay overnight with a motorhome near Úbeda and Baeza

Whether you go with your vehicle or camping, between Jaén and Úbeda you have a space available to reserve online, thanks to Autocaravan Areas. It is about the Camping El Cantonet, surrounded by nature and with essential sunrises and sunsets. The perfect place to rest from your adventure through Úbeda and Baeza!