Baeza - Catedral de Baeza

Under the Romans, the town was known as '"Beatia". Following its conquest by the Visigoths, Beatia was the seat of a bishopric. From the beginning of the seventh century, it was conquered by several Arab and Berber states. The diocese was reestablished in 1127 following the conquest by Alfonso VII of Castile, but Baeza was then again reconquered by the Almohads. After the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa, Ferdinand III of Castile in 1227 retook the city.

The 16th century was the golden era of Baeza (and nearby Úbeda). Noble families, which were well connected with the Spanish Imperial state hired major architects to design the present cathedral, churches and private palaces in the then-fashionable Renaissance style.

This was the episcopal see of the Diocese of Baeza, which dates back to a Visigothic period, was dissolved after a time under Moorish rule and was restored shortly after the Reconquista in the 13th century and then finally dissolved.

Where the church is now located, there was a mosque until the 13th century. The apse still has Gothic tracery, but the current church was created in the 16th century through a comprehensive renovation in the Renaissance style.