Located in the province of Jaén in southern Spain, Baeza is one of Europe’s best-preserved historic cities—and one of five sites selected for the 2025–26 CHiFA Urban Heritage Regeneration Accelerator.
Known for its Renaissance architecture and UNESCO World Heritage status, Baeza is also a working city with deep roots in agriculture and local industry. It is strategically located in the heart of Andalucía—between Córdoba, the Alhambra of Granada, Madrid, and Málaga—positioning it as a cultural and logistical link within southern Spain. Its compact scale, strong civic pride, and surrounding olive groves reflect a place where built heritage and landscape are closely intertwined.
Like many historic towns, Baeza faces demographic and economic challenges: an aging population, youth outmigration, and a collection of underutilized buildings within its historic core. Through the Accelerator, the city is exploring how heritage can become a foundation for development that serves the local community—while welcoming visitors in a more sustainable and experiential way that highlights Baeza’s rich cultural assets.
Ideas under discussion include the adaptive reuse of vacant or religious properties for community services or housing, support for traditional trades and craftsmanship, and improvements to access and public space. The goal is not to reinvent Baeza, but to ensure that its historic identity and existing infrastructure can support a future city—for those who live there, and those who visit.
During a visit by Derek A.R. Moore, CHiFA Founder and Heritage Accelerator mentor, city officials held a press event to announce their participation in the Heritage Accelerator. They expressed pride in Baeza’s selection, and the city’s commitment to becoming a global model of heritage-led regeneration.
Read the full article from 9 La Loma TV
Follow along as Baeza turns its heritage into a resource for future generations.