Renaissance Baeza, a unesco city twinned with Úbeda, 7km away, was a recent visit and first overnight stay. It dates back from the Visigoths but what we see today is an abundance of fabulous sandstone monuments built from the riches gained from agriculture in the 16th century, like the former Civil Court and Notary, now a tourist office. Arco de Villarlar and Tourist Office, Baeza See the Monday Morning Photo List.
Jaén´s Cathedral dominates this small city. A vast work of Renaissance art that is going through the process as a UNESCO site of historical importance.
When I first saw it I fell in love not only with the catheral but the plaza and its atmosphere. That´s gone. The gorgeous ancient magnolia trees with stone benches in the shade were ripped out for a better view.
Now we have a boring flat paved area with silly ground-level fountains, an open space of nothingness that does nothing to enhance the cathedral. But I´ve become accustomed to it now, gone is the beauty and duende in with the modern and style-less.
If you´ve never seen the size and majesty of this enormous cathedral in one of Andalucia´s lesser known provinces have a look at this video, it maybe a little too long but has some great vista of the cathedral.
If you´re planning a visit why not check out my nearby holiday home, a great base to explore the area.
