Palacio de los Condes de Garciez

Palacio de los Condes de Garcíez sits right in the historic centre of Baeza, an Andalusian town listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with neighbouring Úbeda. Also known as Palacio de los Salcedo, it counts among the region's most distinctive urban palaces — a building where late Gothic tradition meets the earliest signs of the Renaissance.

How do you get there?

The palace stands within Baeza's monumental old town, so the easiest way to reach it is on foot from the main square or the cathedral — most of the historic centre's landmarks lie within a fifteen-minute walk of each other. Baeza has no train station of its own, so most visitors arrive by bus from Úbeda, Jaén, or Linares, all of which run regular connections.

What is there to see?

The facade

The facade unfolds across three horizontal levels and is crowned by an overhanging roof resting on gargoyles, a distinctly Gothic touch. The main entrance is framed by a semicircular arch built from large stone voussoirs, topped by an ogival window flanked by heraldic lions. On the upper floor, three mullioned windows show off the building's stylistic mix: the side windows keep a Gothic character, while the central one carries Renaissance, Plateresque ornamentation. Three false turrets break up the roofline and add to the silhouette.

The courtyard

Inside, the central patio is lined with a double gallery of semicircular arches resting on columns, decorated with heraldic and geometric motifs on the parapets and spandrels. A third, lintelled gallery was added at a later date, marking a further stage in the building's expansion.

Coats of arms

Carved shields on the facade display the arms of the Salcedo and Ponce de León families, a reminder of the founders and allied noble houses behind the building's construction.

Where does the name come from, and what is its history?

The palace was commissioned in the early 16th century by Juan Rubio de Salcedo and his wife, María de Jódar Alférez, at a time when Baeza was undergoing rapid urban growth. It was conceived as a prestigious town residence, and over time it became linked to the title of the Counts of Garcíez — hence the second name still used today, Palacio de los Condes de Garcíez. Its architecture blends late Gothic tradition with emerging Renaissance forms, making it a clear marker of a transitional period in Andalusian building.

What is inside the palace today?

The building now operates as a hotel, a use that has actually helped preserve its original structure. The ground floor of the five-storey building houses a restaurant, while the floors above hold around thirty guest rooms featuring exposed stone walls, restored beamed ceilings, and carved wooden furniture — some rooms open onto a private balcony.

When is the best time to visit?

April to June and September to October offer the mildest conditions for exploring Baeza, avoiding the peak heat of the Andalusian summer. The facade can be admired at any time of year, though early morning and late afternoon light brings out the stonework's detail best.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you visit the inside of the palace? Since the building operates as a hotel, its interior is mainly accessible to guests. The facade and outer courtyard walls can be viewed while walking through the old town.

What sets it apart from Baeza's other palaces? Its mix of styles stands out: Gothic gargoyles and an ogival window sit alongside Renaissance, Plateresque decoration on the central window — a combination rarely found on a single facade.

Where does the name "Condes de Garcíez" come from? It comes from a countship linked to the family associated with the building at one point in its history, which is why it is known under two names: Palacio de los Salcedo and Palacio de los Condes de Garcíez.

Is Baeza a good base for exploring the area? Yes — the town lies close to Úbeda, with which it shares a joint UNESCO listing, and it is well connected by bus to Jaén and Linares.