16th-century Renaissance palace (4*)
The Parador de Ubeda is housed in a 16th century palace in the centre of the town’s old quarter. Originally built as a palace for Dean Ortego de Malaga, it stands in a magnificent square alongside two 16th and 18th century churches, the Palacio Vazquez de Molina and the Palacio de El Marques.
The Parador’s architecture is similar to the Italian renaissance style and the interior décor strives to maintain this classic style with touches such as the elegant tiled flooring, stone staircases and fireplaces Behind the beautiful façade of the hotel is a majestic interior courtyard, one of the Parador’s most cherished features. This courtyard provides a central space, from which many of the guest rooms can be accessed. Guest rooms are spacious with plenty of natural light, tiled flooring, and décor that complements the Parador’s traditional architecture.
Situated west of the Cazorla and Segura mountains near the Guadalquivir River is Ubeda, a lovely little Spanish town which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage City in 2003. The Parador is only a short distance from several key historic buildings mentioned above such as the churches of El Salvador and Santa Maria. The town’s cultural heritage and wealth is reflected in its walls, palaces, churches, convents and monasteries and Ubeda is home to 48 historic monuments and 9 buildings which have been classed as ‘National Monuments’ with a further 19 classified as ‘Assets of Cultural Interest’. Ubeda is known as the ‘the Moorish Queen’ thanks to its original Moorish street plans, however Ubeda truly flourished during the Renaissance period and particularly under the empire of Carlos I thanks to the emergence of great Renaissance artists and architects.
Surrounding the city is a field of olive trees and we would recommend visiting the Centro de Interpretacion Olivar y Aceite museum which explains the history of Olive growing in the region. Ubeda’s Valencia Street is well known for its pottery artisans and you can visit the Museum de Alfareria Tito that which features hundreds of examples of handmade pottery. From Ubeda it is just a short drive to Baeza, another UNESCO World Heritage City.
Restaurant opening times:
Breakfast: 8.00 to 11.00
Lunch 13.30 to 16.00
Dinner from 20.00 to 22.30. It may be possible to arrive up to 22.00 and still enjoy a meal.
Cafe/bar is open from 11.00 until 23.00
The Parador is located in the Vázquez de Molina square in the old quarter of the town, next to the sacred chapel of El Salvador, the Marqués de Mancera palace and the Vázquez Molina palace, now the Town Hall. Úbeda is 39 km from Bailén along the N-322, 210 km from Albacete along the N-322, 57 km from Jaén on the N-321 and 330 km from Madrid, with access from the N-IV through Bailén.
This Parador is located in a pedestrianised area with no private parking. Parking is not permitted directly outside the Parador (fines may be issued for this) but you can load and unload luggage, parking alongside the pavement on the opposite side of the road to the Parador and for a maximum of 5 minutes, and then find a parking space locally. Please see the last image in the photo gallery for information on how to access the Parador by car.
Spain's southernmost region is rich in sunshine, culture, beaches and excellent food. Find out why you should visit and which Parador hotels to stay in.