Vázquez de Molina Square

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Vázquez de Molina square, placed in Úbeda (Jaén), in the Autonomous Region of Andalusia (Spain), is one of the best examples of the renaissance architecture in Spain. This square was on of the motives for which Úbeda was declared World Heritage site by the UNESCO in July.

The buildings we can find in this square are:

• Deán Ortega Palace: It’s a renaissance palace designed by the Spanish architect Andrés de Vandelvira in the 16th century. Now, it is a Parador hotel, one of the more ancient of Spain.

• Vázquez de Molina Palace or Chains’ Palace (so named for the decorative chains which once hung from the facade) is a renaissance building designed, as the previous one, by Vandelvira. It was ordered to build by Juan Vázquez de Molina, Philip II of Spain’s secretary of State. Nowadays it is the town hall of Úbeda.

• Saint Mary of the Royals Alcazars church is a church built on the ruins of the ancient Úbeda’s mosque. It mixes several art movements (gothic, renaissance and baroque). It was seriously damaged during the Spanish Civil War. Nowadays it is closed by restorations’ works from 1983.

• Sacred Chapel of El Salvador, built by Francisco de los Cobos, Charles I of Spain’s secretary, as his own pantheon. It was designed by the Spanish architect Diego de Siloé and realized by Vandelvira too. This chapel is one of the most representative monuments of the town. Its facade, sculpted in stone by Esteban Jamate, is one of the most beautiful of Andalusia.