Renaissance Baeza: A Guide to an Andalusian Jewel Amongst the Olive Groves

Baeza’s unique Renaissance architecture, combining Italian and Islamic influences with local craftsmanship, has earned it the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site. On this walking tour, you’ll discover the city’s rich history, stretching from the Copper Age, through a long period of Muslim rule, to the Christian conquest, and Spain’s Golden Age. Along with Renaissance jewels, you’ll see beautiful examples of Romanesque and Gothic architecture too. The tour starts in front of the magnificent Plateresque Ayuntamiento de Baeza (Town Hall), and winds through the wonderfully preserved old city to conclude outside Palacio de los Salcedo (Salcedo Palace). Along the way, you’ll see elegant mansions and centuries-old churches and monasteries that showcase an eclectic mix of architectural styles. You’ll wander through romantic medieval arches and alleyways, and see spectacular vistas across the Guadalquivir River valley. You’ll also: • Learn about Baeza’s strategic importance in the Middle Ages as a frontier town and centre of religious power • Discover why the poet Antonio Machado found the city much-reduced and down-at-heel when he came to live here in the early 1900s • Find out how Baeza is reinventing itself as a gourmet destination, with fine dining options like the Michelin-starred Vandelvira restaurant, housed in the Convento de San Francisco (St Francis Convent) • Get to know the difference between green and black olives and what’s really meant by the term ‘extra virgin olive oil’ • Admire Antigua Universidad de Baeza (the Old University buildings), the richly ornamented Palacio de Jabalquinto (Jabalquinto Palace) and the simple but beautiful Iglesia de Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz church) • Hear about the German connections of Spain’s emperor in Plaza del Pópulo • Admire the Catedral de Baeza’s Puerta de la Luna (Moon Gate) and tower By the end of this 90-minute Baeza tour, you’ll have a good idea of how the city fits into the ups and downs of Spain’s national story. You’ll also have a greater appreciation for the city’s architectural heritage.

Price: £7.99 from VoiceMap