JAEN Information: BAEZA
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Baeza General information
Baeza still seems inspired by the verses of Antonio Machado.
The ancient poet has not ceased to be present in this town of noble
churches and aristocratic palaces. At the entrance to the Jaen road
stands the plaza de los Leones, known in the 17th Century as the plaza
of the Populus. The Civil High Court and the Public Notary Office
occupy the centre of the square. The building of the Venerable Meat
Market, stands alongside, framed by an heraldic shield of King Philip
II. In one corner, the puerta de Jaen (the gateway of Jaen), and the
Arco de Villalar (Arch of Villalar) stand together. The centre of
the square contains a fountain with carvings which appear to originate
from the Roman town of Castulo.
The market square has been a meeting place for the people of Baeza
since the 16th Century-Beneath its porticos opens the arco del Barbudo
which ascends to the ancient University.
The classroom in which Antonio Machado gave classes of French grammar
is empty. Now there are only some desks and venerable blackboards
which merely serve to recollect the author of "Campos de Castilla"
(the Fields of Castile). One of the peculiarities of Baeza is the
church of Santa Cruz, the only example of a late Romantic temple in
Andalusia. Behind its sober facade one can admire an interesting collection
of 15th and 16th Century paintings. Just opposite is the Palace of
Jabalquinto. Diamond tips, pineapple studs, fleurons, bows, pinnacles
and heralds follow one another in this delicious Gothic facade. Its
interior houses a Renaissance patio of double arcades and noble shields.
The seminary of San Felipe Neri houses the Antonio Machado Headquarters
of the International University of Andalusia, which organizes summer
courses during August and September. Opposite this building, the Cathedral
stands upon the flight of steps of the plaza de Santa Maria. Behind
the Renaissance doorway, three ample naves sustained by columns and
finely worked capitals are displayed. The Cathedral was constructed
upon the original Arab mosque. Today, the altarpiece which presides
over the temple and the screen of maestro Bartolome and the Monstrance,
a unique jewel of Baroque Spanish art, do not pass unnoticed.
At scarcely six kilometres away from Ubeda, the castle of Sabiote,
which overlooks the fertile valley of the Guadalimar, can be seen.
The architect Vandelvira converted it into a Moslem fortress. At its
feet lie a mass of narrow streets in which one can see a series of
palaces and ancestral homes. The church of San Pedro, with its beautiful
Gothic door, is the largest temple in the village. Vandelvira also
worked in Canena where one of the best preserved castles of the whole
of Andalusia stands. This fortress, which is private property, exhibits
a touch of a pure Renaissance style in its doorways, turrets and interior
cloisters.
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