The Almedina constitutes the highest part of the city. It is made up of streets and corners that evoke past times and places. This medieval frontier town features a historic area enclosed by a ring of walls with a castle at its center, as well as later monumental buildings such as the Church of St. Mary the Major, the Convent of the Dominican Nuns of Madre de Dios, and the old Hospital, all located around the Plaza Palacio — the nerve center of Arab and medieval Baena.

Within the walled enclosure, remains of the gates that once provided access to the Arab city can still be seen, such as the Dark Arch, the Consolation Arch, and the St. Barbara Arch. There are also remnants of towers, including the tower of the Old Jail next to the Plaza Vieja, which was also one of the western entrances to the Almedina.