In case if you desire to live in a castle or a medieval monastery you need to go to Spain. After all, there is an entire network of Parador – former luxury estates, ancient monasteries, palaces and castles, now converted into luxury hotels in the most interesting parts of the country. Today we tell about ten of them.
Parador de Alarcón, Castilla-La Mancha
If you find yourself in these places, it is unlikely that will pass the ancient fortress built by the conquerors, the Arabs in the VIII century. Over the centuries it changed the rulers, monarchs ruled by it, and graphs, awnings and dukes, until then, until in 1966 there was decided to create a parador, mainly due to the fact that the castle offers a splendid view on the bend of the river and surrounding towns. The reconstruction preserves the main features of the original building: the mighty towers and walls of sharp teeth. Medieval décor is softly introduced in the interior parts of modern classic style. The walls are decorated with extraordinary paintings, reminiscent of the guests, near Cuenca, is located in the famous museum of abstract art.
From 60 euros per night
Parador de Alcañiz, Aragon
Once this place was chosen by the ancient Romans who enjoys spending their free time here, but today there will greet visitors from all over the world. Every stone of the local Parador breathes history: in a renovated building preserved tower-sacristy and bell tower of the palace of the XVIII century. Inside you can see the frescoes and original gothic interiors, however, is quite adapted to modern tastes. One of the towers of the main facade is a luxury duplex with fantastic views of the surrounding area.
From 60 euros per night
Parador de La Granja, Castile-Leon
This superb hotel with great spa, two pools, a gym and even a golf simulator can be found just one hour from the Spanish capital. Its story began several centuries ago, when the northern slopes of Guadarramy Bourbon royal family decided to build a beautiful palace like Versailles, only slightly inferior to it in luxury. Then luxurious apartments were hunting lodge, and three years ago have become an excellent hotel for the wealthy and discerning gentlemen.
From 90 euros per night
Parador de Almagro, Castilla-La Mancha
This small hotel is situated five minutes walk from the city center in a former Franciscan monastery, built in the late XVI century. Of course, the thoroughly modern architects worked on the interiors, but they managed to keep the spirit of an ancient monastery. The past will remind the vaulted gallery, tapestries decorating the walls, solid wood furniture. Some rooms are located directly in the monastic cells, albeit equipped with the latest technology.
From 60 euros per night
Parador de Tortosa, Catalonia
Overcoming the steep slope, you reach the gates of majestic fort overlooking the city. In Roman times it was a strategically important place, because whoever owned the mouth of the river Ebro, in fact, had access to the inner side of the peninsula through the channel, so in the X century the Arabs decide to build a stronghold on this site. Later the castle was rebuilt, but we still can see the signs of the Middle Ages: battlements, peaked Gothic windows, Arabian theme murals, and even hard to believe that far behind the bathroom door may be hiding a Jacuzzi!
From 60 euros per night
Parador de Úbeda, Andalusia
This is one of the oldest Spanish parador opened for tourists in the 30’s of last century. However, since the time the rooms were renovated several times and are equipped with the latest technology. The hotel is located in the palace of the Renaissance. We recommend you choose one of six rooms, with the views of the area or, better yet, elegant and spacious suite with a huge ducal bed.
From 60 euros per night
Parador de Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha
To the tourists it has always been convenient to live in the lands of Count Orgaz, thus it was decided to break new garden modeled on the old parks. After another renovation in 2008 the hotel though kept the spirit of the ancient city of Toledo, but gained modern avant-garde features. But the main thing that has remained unchanged for centuries – it’s a beautiful view of the surrounding land. If you choose this hotel, the neighbors may well be one of the celebrities, because at different times, here you can find Roman Polanski and Carlos Saura, Jane Seymour, and Johnny Depp. And do not neglect the real masterpiece of the local chef – stewed partridge!
From 60 euros per night
Parador de Granada, Andalucia
If you’ve read all the stories of Washington Irving, and dreamed of settling in the famous Arab fortress of Alhambra, then your wish will be granted in part, if you choose this parador. Despite the fact that it is in a spacious building of the former Catholic monastery, in its decoration designers used the Arab-Moorish motifs. Relaxation in double columns, intricate arches and fountains, you seem to be transferred into the tale of Scheherazade. And Alhambra? You can reach it from here in a short period of timing!
From 100 euros per night
Parador de Guadalupe, Extremadura
This place attracts pilgrims and travelers: Columbus himself, before the embark into the uncharted western territory, arrived here in the local monastery to pay homage to a black Virgin Mary of Guadalupe. Today we can settle in the ancient monastery walls, without denying the usual modern comforts, without sacrificing utilities and power, because in the former monastery there is an open parador. On the old times it resembles a huge fireplace and thick dark ceiling beams.
From 60 euros per night
Parador de Hondarribia, Basque Country
Authentic medieval fortress of X century with thick walls and small windows, located in the highest part of the city’s main square, near the church of Nuestra Senora del Manzano, looks forbidding and intimidating. In fact, there is always a spot for everyone who comes to the world, because now it is transformed into a welcoming hotel-parador. Guests should definitely enjoy a unique collection of medieval weapons – crossbows, spears, armor.
From 60 euros per night