🇪🇸 Falling in Love with Úbeda: Spain's Renaissance Jewel ✨🏛️

📍 Location & First Impressions Nestled in Andalusia's olive country, this hilltop town stole my heart! The 4-hour drive from Orihuela was magical - endless olive groves painting the landscape 🫒🌳 (Pro tip: Buy local olive oil - it's divine!) 🌟 Why Úbeda is Special UNESCO-listed Renaissance architecture (since 2003) 48 historic monuments (9 internationally recognized) Twin city to Baeza (just 10km away) Arabic roots blended with Christian history 🏆 Top Experiences 1️⃣ Vázquez de Molina Square - The crown jewel 👑 surrounded by perfect Renaissance palaces & churches 2️⃣ Olive valley views from the hills (Pic 7 shows the breathtaking sea of olive trees!) 3️⃣ Friday/Sunday rooftop concerts at the cathedral 🎶 (check schedules online) 4️⃣ Ceramic workshops - Gorgeous handmade pottery 🏺 🏨 Where We Stayed Parador de Úbeda (Pic 8) - A converted 16th-century palace with modern luxury ✨ 🍽️ Foodie Paradise Michelin-starred dining (separate post coming!) Al fresco dining till midnight - locals dress up beautifully for evening meals 👗🍷 Must-try: Jaén olive oil on everything! 🚗 Perfect Day Trips Baeza (20min) - More Renaissance wonders Córdoba (2h) - Mesmerizing Mezquita 💡 Local Secrets Find hidden churches built over old mosques Visit Cerámica San Millán for authentic pottery Just sit in the plazas and soak in the atmosphere 😌 #Andalusia #RenaissanceArchitecture #OliveOilHeaven #SlowTravel #SpainHiddenGems #UNESCO #CulturalTravel