Baena

Baena is a town of Andalucia, southern Spain, in the province of Córdoba; 32 miles by road south east of the city of Córdoba. Population of the town is 20000 people. Baena is picturesquely situated near the river Marbella, on the slope of a hill crowned with a castle, which formerly belonged to the famous captain Gonzalo de Cordova. Baena is known for producing high quality olive oil, which is the basis of the town economy. Sierras Subbéticas Natural Park is located to the south of the town. The site of the Roman town (Baniana or Biniana) can still be traced, and various Roman antiquities have been disinterred. In 1292 the Moors under Mahommed II of Granada vainly besieged Baena, which was held for Sancho IV of Castile; and the five Moorish heads in its coat-of-arms commemorate the defense.