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The Paradores of Spain
History buffs and luxury travelers rejoice at the sight of Spain’s Paradores hotels which offer the highest grade amalgamation of cultural riches and exquisite sophistication in historic castles, monasteries and palaces.
The idea for the Paradores was born in the year 1926, when Spain’s King Alfonso XIII commissioned a Royal Commissary of Tourism who set out to convert numerous historic buildings into tourist attractions and accommodations. This concept proved to be fruitful and today the Spanish government manages 93 crown jewels of Iberian history that are truly exquisite hotels in the most spectacular of settings, ranging from mountainous seclusion in a Galician monastery to the world’s oldest hotel in the town centre of Santiago de Compostela.
Escapio.com have kindly researched for us the crème of the crop and compiled the following list of the Top 5 Paradores for History Buffs:
No.1 Parador de Santo Estevo
Established in one of Spain’s oldest Benedictine monasteries in Nigeria de Remain, in the Orense region of Galicia, the Parador de Santo Estevo is a 4 star hotel offering a rich dose of history in a dramatic setting. Its spectacular vantage point perched above a river valley lends this 6th century castle an extraordinary flair.
Aficionados of classic architecture will be delighted by the elements of Romanesque, Renaissance and Gothic style elements. The castle was first mentioned in documents dating back to the 10th century but it is assumed that its origins date back to the 6th or 7th century. Due to its outstanding historical value, the building was declared a national monument of historical and artistic significance in 1923.
No.2 Parador de Zamora
The four star Parador de Zamora is housed within the mighty walls of a former palace that was constructed in 1459 by the Count of Alba and Aliste.
Originally constructed on top of the ruins of an Arab “alcazaba” or fortress, this exquisite abode is host to a plethora of cloisters and a unique medieval atmosphere. The interiors delight with decorations that reflect the centuries of styles with elaborate tapestries, suits of armour, heraldic banners and fine rugs.
The surrounding town of Zamora is also a gem of historic buildings. Often called the “pearl of the 12th century”, this ornate town features a cathedral that was founded in 1135. Unique time pieces are on display at the cathedral museum which exhibits tapestries depicting scenes of Hannibal’s journeys and the story of Troy.
No. 3 Parador de Mérida
Built at the site of an ancient temple, this 18th century gem originally housed a convent.
Today its four star hospitality combines the treasures of the past with the pleasures of modern luxuries. Roman, Visigoth and Mudejar artifacts and building styles are visible in the interiors and beautiful Mozarabic gardens adorn the outside of hotel.
This building was the site of an important meeting between the dictators Franco of Spain and Salazar of Portugal in the 1960s. This Parador stays true to the original convent structure and enjoys a prime location to travel back into antiquity in the historic town of Mérida.
Today its four star hospitality combines the treasures of the past with the pleasures of modern luxuries. Roman, Visigoth and Mudejar artifacts and building styles are visible in the interiors and beautiful Mozarabic gardens adorn the outside of hotel.
This building was the site of an important meeting between the dictators Franco of Spain and Salazar of Portugal in the 1960s. This Parador stays true to the original convent structure and enjoys a prime location to travel back into antiquity in the historic town of Mérida.
No. 4 Parador Santiago de Compostela
This spectacular luxury hotel is considered one of the word’s oldest abodes and is located right in the historic centre of Santiago de Compostela. The building was originally constructed in 1499 as a royal hospital in order to care for the numerous pilgrims and wayfarers who have been attracted to this fascinating town for centuries.
Its lavish 16th century façade and four open courtyards have hosted numerous royal guests, politicians and visionaries.
The hotel is a paradise for history buffs who can revel in time period pieces and marvel at superb Gothic, Renaissance and baroque architectural elements.
No. 5 Parador de Alarcón
This magnificent 8th century Arab castle has a stunning vantage point over the river valley of Júcar in the heart of Spain.
Its historically rich interiors harmonize effortlessly with the modern décor in an unusual yet stunning juxtaposition of old and new. In its 14 rooms, guests can revel in a medieval castle structure that dates back to the times of the Reconquista. During the course of its rich history, this edifice was the site of numerous sieges and revolts, homestead of famous writers such as Don Juan Manuel and Marquises de Villena.
These historic buildings can be booked alongside many more design, boutique and luxury hotels at Escapio.com
More Historic Places to Stay in Spain
Northern Spain | Madrid, Rioja & Castille and Leon | Central Spain | Barcelona & Eastern Spain
Southern Spain | Balearic Islands
Other special features and articles on Nights In The Past include...
Historic Hotels in Egypt
Historic Pubs of London
Northern Spain | Madrid, Rioja & Castille and Leon | Central Spain | Barcelona & Eastern Spain
Southern Spain | Balearic Islands
Other special features and articles on Nights In The Past include...
Historic Hotels in Egypt
Historic Pubs of London
We very much hope that you find Nights In The Past both informative and enjoyable, but we are aware that we still have much work to do to make the site the best it possibly can be. As such, we positively welcome any information relating to historic hotels or traditional inns throughout Spain, and especially in those places most likely to appeal to the traveller: Barcelona, Madrid and the coastal regions, etc. In the meantime, we very much hope you bookmark us and check back soon - compiling the site has taken many thousands of hours so we like to hope that visitors find it useful!
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