Discovering Úbeda is a true delight. Strolling along its cobbled streets is like stepping into a monumental stage where every corner overflows with history and beauty. Above all, it is a destination for those who appreciate authenticity, refinement and timeless charm. And if one is to do it properly — with pause, with style, with a discerning eye — there is no better way to experience it than by staying at Hotel Palacio de Úbeda 5*GL. Because if you're going to get lost, let it be in a palace.
A Renaissance city… and a place for personal rebirth
Úbeda is a jewel of the Andalusian Renaissance, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003. Its monumental richness is no mere backdrop — it’s a living, breathing reality, unfolding step by step. The epicentre of this architectural marvel is Plaza Vázquez de Molina, arguably one of the most impressive Renaissance ensembles in all of Europe.
Here, you’ll find monuments of elegance and symmetry that only Andrés de Vandelvira —master of the Spanish Renaissance— could have conceived: the imposing Palacio de Vázquez de Molina, the splendour of the Sacra Capilla del Salvador, the quiet presence of the Palacio del Deán Ortega, and the silhouette of Santa María de los Reales Alcázares, built upon an ancient mosque.
To continue this journey through history, one must visit the Hospital de Santiago —a true Renaissance masterpiece— explore the still-inhabited Palacio Vela de los Cobos, or lose oneself among courtyards, towers, viewpoints and winding alleys until reaching the Barrio de San Lorenzo, where stone and legend meet.
Among olive groves, workshops and whispered secrets
Úbeda’s beauty is not only sculpted in stone — it’s also carried in the scent of extra virgin olive oil, a fragrance that permeates its culture. From its viewpoints, the “sea of olive trees” stretches as far as the eye can see. In its streets, artisanal traditions proudly endure: pottery is still crafted by skilled hands like those of Paco Tito, whose home-workshop is a must-see museum.
And if you sharpen your gaze —and your sensitivity— you can still sense echoes of another time: legends mingling with the architecture, memories of saints and poets, solemn processions and ancestral devotions. In Úbeda, history doesn’t shout — it lingers in the air, reveals itself with each step, and is lived with quiet authenticity.
A tasteful finale: a gourmet route through Úbeda’s soul
Once you’ve surrendered to the city’s art and architecture, it’s time to indulge in one of its greatest pleasures: gastronomy. Úbeda is a feast for the senses, where local flavours speak with honesty and depth. Tasting tapas along Calle Real, trying an ochío with morcilla (black pudding), or savouring reimagined traditional dishes is an essential part of the experience.
La Cantina La Estación deserves special mention — a tasting menu inspired by luxury train travel, where each stop is a sensorial surprise, from the first drizzle of olive oil to the final spoonful of dessert. Or Antique, with a menu split between local produce, Eastern inspiration and global touches — a thoughtful and elegant take on classic fare. And for those drawn to a more informal, soulful style, Misa de 12 offers honest cuisine from a humble bar full of character.
The culinary offering at Palacio de Úbeda
For those in search of a truly exclusive dining experience, there’s no need to look further than the Hotel Palacio de Úbeda itself. Here, cuisine is experienced in two distinct spaces, each with its own soul.
At Taberna Guadiana, traditional tapas are elevated with high-quality local produce in a relaxed, charming atmosphere steeped in history. And at Restaurante Ábside, the culinary proposal reaches new heights: fine dining rooted in Andalusian tradition, seasonal tasting menus, and a presentation worthy of the palace that houses it. Each dish is a contemporary tribute to the land, to olive oil, to the meats and vegetables of Jaén — all interpreted with the refinement that defines a true gourmet experience.
Sleeping in a palace is no metaphor
At the end of the walk, when your body seeks rest but your soul remains awake, the true jewel of the journey is revealed. Hotel Palacio de Úbeda is not just a place to stay — it is an experience. A legitimate indulgence. A space where the walls tell stories, the beds whisper comfort, the stone embraces silk, and service understands that every detail matters.
Set within the Palacio de los Condes de Guadiana, with its majestic tower, thermal baths, rooftop pool with views over the city’s rooftops, and top-tier gastronomy, the hotel redefines what it means to escape in style.
True luxury lies in knowing how to pause
And if Úbeda offers anything, it is the chance to pause. To disconnect from noise. To let time slow between a massage and a glass of wine. Between admiring a Plateresque façade and sipping a cocktail at sunset on the hotel’s terrace. Because here, the Renaissance is more than an architectural style — it’s a state of being.
Ready for your own personal Renaissance? Book your stay now at
Hotel Palacio de Úbeda 5*GL
and discover what luxury feels like when it breathes history. Because you deserve to lose yourself in a place designed to help you find yourself.