Publicatu: 14.11.2024
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Baza (historically Basti) is a city and municipality in the northeast of the province of Granada, in Andalusia (Spain, Europe). It is currently regarded as the capital of both the Baza region and the natural region (and tourist area) of the Altiplano of Granada (territory shared by the regions of Huéscar and Baza); this has led Baza to become, over the years, the 'small great metropolis' of the Altiplano of Granada, regarded by many as a kind of provincial capital closer than Granada itself, frequented by all those residing in the Altiplano of Granada, whether for shopping in large commercial establishments (such as Mercadona, Lidl, or Consum, etc.), going to the only hospital in the Altiplano of Granada, handling paperwork, or simply for tourism. Furthermore, it is also the head of the judicial party, being the judicial party no. 6 of the province of Granada, and is part of the municipality association of the Baza region and since 2020, it is also part of the territory of the Granada Geopark (also known as the Quaternary Geopark of the Northern Valleys of Granada).
It has a population (according to INE data from 2023) of 20,579 inhabitants and an area of 544.95 km² (this is the largest municipal term in the province of Granada).
The beautiful Main Church, Collegiate or Co-Cathedral of Baza is dedicated to Saint Mary of the Incarnation; it was built in the 16th century in the Renaissance style. The patrons of Baza are Saint Maxim, Saint Barbara, and the Virgin of Piety. The patronal festivals of Baza (known as Fair and Festivals), in honor of the Virgin of Piety, are celebrated at the beginning of September. Additionally, the Festivals of Saint Barbara and Country Wines are celebrated around December 4th, in honor of Saint Barbara.