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Morning: 10 – 14h (Tuesday to Sunday)
Afternoon: 16:30h – 18:30h (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday)
Monday: Closed (weekly rest day)
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Pl. Palacio 4
The ancient Arab hisn
(castle) known as Bayyana,
a witness to historical events
since the 9th century, reflects the history of Baena.
The site of present-day Baena was once home to an Arab fortification known as Bayyana, which dates back to the 9th century. Bayyana is noted for its involvement in the Muwallad rebellion led by Umar ibn Hafsun in the latter half of the century, during which he captured the fort in 890 AD. That same year, Emir Abd Allah defeated Umar ibn Hafsun at Bulayy (now Aguilar de la Frontera) and established a cavalry base at the Baena fortress. This fort was subsequently transformed into a madina, making Baena the capital of the cora of Cabra.
During the Caliphate period, Baena grew and prospered, with some of its citizens achieving success. However, after the fall of the Caliphate, the city was looted by the Berbers, which brought its development to a halt.
On July 11, 1165, a battle took place near the source of the Marbella River, when the Almohads and Almoravids were in the area. Archaeological digs carried out between 2007 and 2010 uncovered signs of structures that could date back to this period or even earlier.
Baena was captured by the Christians in August 1241. After that, Bayyana became Christian Baena, remaining under the crown’s control throughout most of the 13th and 14th centuries. The monarchs of the Trastámara dynasty tried to turn it into a lordship from 1386 to 1448, but the people of the town eventually accepted their dependency. During this time, the first reconstruction of the fortified area was carried out to ensure security amid ongoing conflicts.
Since the 16th century, the site served as the Palace of the Dukes.
Diego Fernández de Córdoba transformed the castle into his
residence, giving it a noble character.
The castle underwent significant changes, such as the addition of windows and doors in previously impenetrable walls, and the creation of various rooms and covered domestic areas.
In 1401, Henry III granted the castle to Don Diego Fernández de Córdoba, despite opposition from the local inhabitants. Fernández de Córdoba took residence in 1438, and during his time there, the castle hosted important figures such as Don Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba (1473), and was visited by Henry IV and Queen Juana (1455).
In gratitude, Henry IV appointed the Marshal as Count of Cabra. The castle also welcomed Isabella the Catholic in 1485 and the Catholic King several times during the Granada War. In 1566, King Philip II elevated the state of Baena to a dukedom by royal decree.
