The urban plan, which has been well preserved, has adapted to the course of the river in the manner of Andalusian towns. Its layout centres on a main street running parallel to the former riverbank, with blocks of streets on either side. Three successive urban squares are adapted to the longitudinal plan which, although lacking long perspective views, provide a series of visual treats. The dikes, constructed of brick between the 16th and 18th centuries, line the banks; they open at intervals onto the river.

Each of the three large squares is graced with a church. Along with the other religious monuments, these churches constitute the principal landmarks of the urban horizon. Brick houses of a variety of forms dating to between the 17th and 19th centuries possess patios and tile roofs, and their windows are decorated with iron grillwork. These are adjacent to rows of shop-houses dating to the 17th century and later, although many have since been transformed into residences. The city's more modest homes are constructed of rattan and cobs and possess thatched roofs. The ensemble is both harmonious and delicate.