Casas Consistoriales Altas

The construction of this building in the Plaza de Santa Maria dates to the end of the 15th century and initially belonged to Mr Gil Bayle Cabrera, one of the most important nobles of Baeza back then. At his death, the building was given to the Council to serve as its seat in the time of Juana La Loca and Felipe El Hermoso, whose coats of arms can be seen on the façade with all its details in perfect condition. The building was reformed and enlarged in the 16th century, with its highest part standing out most: like a tower with a Gothic window crowned by the coat of arms of Charles I, easily recognisable with its double-headed eagle, among other emblems. One of the most striking pieces inside was a three-key cupboard used to store the general register of nobles of the city. This piece is currently on show in the city Museum. In 1838, the Casas Consistoriales Altas ceased to house the Baeza Council and served as a municipal archive until 1970. In the early nineties, it became the temporary seat of the conservatory under the name of Bartolomé Ramos de Pareja, an illustrious Baeza composer.