Renaissance Úbeda: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Úbeda , Spain

Renaissance Úbeda: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Active

(2 reviews)

1h - 2h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Úbeda’s architecture is a unique blend of Islamic and Italian Renaissance influences. The fine craftsmanship that can still be found within the historic town centre has earned Úbeda (and its neighbour Baeza) UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

On this walking tour, you’ll explore Úbeda’s 6,000-year-old history, which saw Muslims, Christians and Jews shaping its medieval old town.

The tour starts beside the clock tower in Plaza de Andalucía, just outside the medieval town walls. As you walk, I’ll tell you about Úbeda’s strategic importance in the Middle Ages as a frontier town and agricultural centre. In the former Jewish quarter, you’ll find out why few traces remain of this once-thriving community.

By the end of the tour in Plaza Vazquez de Molina, you’ll understand why a small Andalusian town like Úbeda is so packed with monumental Renaissance architecture. I’ll also tell you about some of the best places to sample Úbeda’s delicious local cuisine.

Available options

Renaissance Úbeda: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

What's included

Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

App for Android and iOS

Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour

Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Audio and Written Guide - English

Detailed itinerary

This self-guided tour starts beside the clock tower in Plaza de Andalucía, just outside the medieval town walls. On this tour, you'll hear the town's history and learn about local culture and heritage.

On this tour, you’ll wind through alleyways, past the Archaeological Museum of Úbeda, to see one of the area’s oldest churches, the Church of San Pablo.

On this tour, you'll pass by the convent and church of Saint Miguel and hear about its history and architecture.

On this tour, you'll enjoy spectacular views across the Guadalquivir River valley and find out what it means to get lost in the hills of Úbeda.

The tour ends in Plaza Vazquez de Molina, a square that’s packed with Renaissance treasures, including the Holy Chapel of the Saviour and the 16th-century palace, Palacio del Deán Ortega.

This self-guided tour ends in Plaza Vazquez de Molina, a square that’s packed with Renaissance treasures.

What's not included

Smartphone and headphones

Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour

Food and drink

Transportation

Available languages

Audio guide

Written guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

This tour starts in Plaza de Andalucía. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app

Create an account

Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes

Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE
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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About Úbeda

Úbeda is a historic city in Andalusia known for its stunning Renaissance architecture and rich olive oil heritage. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a perfect destination for history lovers and food enthusiasts.

Top Attractions

Sacred Monastery of Santa María de los Reales Alcázares

This stunning Renaissance monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important examples of Renaissance architecture in Spain.

Historical 1-2 hours €5

Palacio de Jabalquinto

This Renaissance palace is another UNESCO World Heritage Site and a testament to Úbeda's rich history.

Historical 1 hour €3

Plaza Vázquez de Molina

This beautiful square is the heart of Úbeda and surrounded by stunning Renaissance buildings.

Architectural 30 minutes Free

Oil Museum

This museum showcases the history and importance of olive oil production in the region.

Cultural 1 hour €3

Must-Try Local Dishes

Gazpacho

A cold soup made from tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and olive oil.

Appetizer Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free

Salmorejo

A thicker and creamier version of gazpacho, often topped with ham and hard-boiled eggs.

Appetizer Vegetarian, Gluten-Free (but often topped with non-vegan ingredients)

Plato Alpujarreño

A traditional dish from the Alpujarras region, featuring a variety of meats, blood sausage, and potatoes.

Main Course Contains meat and gluten

Popular Activities

Hiking in Sierra Mágina Natural Park Exploring the historic center on foot Enjoying a coffee in Plaza Vázquez de Molina Visiting local spas and wellness centers Visiting museums and historic sites Attending local festivals and events Visiting local Christmas markets Enjoying warm drinks in cozy cafes

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)

These seasons offer pleasant weather and fewer tourists. The city's festivals, such as the Easter celebrations and the Olive Harvest Festival, take place during these times.

15-25°C 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English (to some extent)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Úbeda is generally a safe city with low crime rates. However, as with any destination, it's important to take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night.
• Avoid walking alone in isolated areas at night.

Getting there

By air

Federico García Lorca Granada-Jaén Airport • 80 km

By train

Úbeda Train Station

By bus

Úbeda Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is affordable and convenient for getting around the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: No specific apps, hail on the street or call a taxi company.

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Historic Center Olive Oil District

Day trips

Baeza

8 km • Half day

Baeza is a nearby town with a rich history and stunning Renaissance architecture. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a great day trip from Úbeda.

Jaén

50 km • Full day

Jaén is a larger city with a rich history and several cultural attractions. It's a great day trip for those looking to explore more of the region.

Sierra Mágina Natural Park

30 km • Full day

This natural park offers stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and a variety of wildlife. It's a great option for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Festivals

Easter Celebrations • March or April (dates vary) Olive Harvest Festival • November Úbeda International Music and Dance Festival • July

Pro tips

Visit the historic center early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the beautiful light.
Take an olive oil tasting tour to learn about the region's rich olive oil heritage and sample some of the best oils in the world.
Explore the nearby town of Baeza, another UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning Renaissance architecture and a rich history.
Attend a local festival or event to experience the city's vibrant culture and traditions firsthand.
Try the local cuisine, including traditional dishes like gazpacho, salmorejo, and plato alpujarreño.