UBEDA

city, Jan province, in the comunidad autnoma (autonomous community) of Andalusia, southern Spain. beda lies northeast of the city of Jan, on the beda Hills in the Guadalimar Valley. Originally an Iberian settlement, the city was occupied by the Arabs in 711 and was reconquered by Ferdinand III of Castile in 1234. It is renowned for its architecture, particularly of the Renaissance period, which is reflected by the Sacra Capilla del Salvador (completed 1556 with a Classic facade), the Hospital de Santiago (begun in 1567 by Andrs de Vandelvira), and the Palacio del Condestable Dvalos (now a government hotel). Most of the city has been declared a national monument. Situated in a well-watered olive-growing region, beda produces olive oil and olive-pressing equipment. Manufactures include plastics, pottery, esparto-grass mats, and forged metal products. St. John of the Cross died in the city. Pop. (1981) 28,717.