Centro de Interpretación de la Historia de Ubrique - Ermita de San Juan de Letrán

Located in Ubrique, the History of Ubrique Interpretation Centre was opened in 2009 in the chapel of San Juan de Letrán. In this unique 18th century building, the traveller learns about the history of the municipality through great books that narrate the past and present of one of the most beautiful places in Andalusia, in the heart of the Sierra de Cádiz mountains.

With its unusual octagonal floor plan, what is truly extraordinary about the History of Ubrique Interpretation Centre is the façade which is clearly inspired by that of Sant´Andrea de Mantua (Lombard, Italy), the universal work of the 15th century architect Leon Battista Alberti. In fact, it is the only Spanish church which reproduces this layout.

Just two minutes from the Permanent Exhibition of "Manos y Magia en la Piel" - Convento de Capuchinos and a little further from the picturesque Peñón de la Becerra, the History of Ubrique Interpretation Centre describes the history of Ubrique, from the Gatherers of the Palaeolithic Era to the Second Republic, without forgetting the crafts and the leather industry or its distinguishing marks, like the "Crujía de Gamones" (traditional May festival), Carnival, its customs, bullfighting and popular religious fervour. The religious festivals feature, the Day of the Patron Saint, the Virgen de los Remedios, whose image is kept in the Convento de Capuchinos and carried to church of the Parroquia Nuestra Señora de la O where the "novena" is celebrated and then taken in a procession every 8 September.

The History of Ubrique Interpretation Centre in the chapel of San Juan de Letrán, has an important space dedicated to this and other prominent traditional festivals in its great library, as well as to the leather industry which century after century has helped the name of Ubrique to be recognised in major Spanish and international markets for the quality and workmanship of its leather goods.

At the gates to the old town, it is a must for all visitors coming to the Sierra de Cádiz mountains.