Baeza - Puerta de Jaén

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.

The Puerta de Jaén was one of the parts of the old city wall of Baeza that was demolished in 1476 on the orders of Isabel la Católica after several disputes between local nobles. It was erected again in the time of Carlos I, to commemorate his visit to the city after his honeymoon with Isabel of Portugal in 1526. The gate was the obligatory passage exit towards Jaén.