The most beautiful drive of our trip from Guardix to Baeza passing through large expanses of olive groves, charming little villages, Parque Natural de Sierra Magina with frequent stops as we drove past villages and stunning mountainous countryside. We pulled at inn Venta el Maleno on the side of road (A-401) that goes towards Moreda / Piñar / Jaén, where we had a very tasty and affordable lunch on the terrace on a gorgeous sunny day overlooking vast fields.
Google Map
Accommodation – Baeza (1 night)
Tastefully decorated apartment and very spacious in a very quiet neighbourhood.
Beautiful historic little town which is on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Most places are closed on Wednesdays – so avoid if you can. On the other hand, it was nice to stroll peacefully as there was hardly anybody around.
In hindsight we should have skipped this town to spend an extra night in Guadix.
Places to visit
Baeza Cathedral – Built on the side of a Moorish mosque, previously a Roman temple. Nice Renaissance architecture and beautiful interior. Courtyard is nice too. €6.00 p/p
Plaza del Populo square – We entered the square via the Puerta de Jaen. Lots of history with the Fuente de Los Leones in the middle. Tourist information office and the Courthouse (16th century butcher’s building) are in the square.
Puerta de Jaen – Old gate built in 1476, was the gateway for the old road to the city of Jaen.
Iglesia de Santa Cruz – A World Heritage UNESCO site, this temple is a small jewel, one of the symbols of Baeza. It is located in the historical part, Plaza Santa Cruz, opposite Palacio Jabalquinto.
Paseo de las Murallas de Baeza – Nice walk and magnificent view over the Guadalquivir valley.
Eat
Most restaurants close on Wednesday. Coffee and churos at Knovas cafe, which is at the end of Plaza de la Constitucion.