The Paradores
of Aragon, Aragon Pyrenees and La Rioja, Spain
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Parador
de Lerma, Burgos
At the highest point of
the town of Lerma is found the Ducal Palace. It was constructed on the
site of a 15th c. castle and built according to architect Francisco de
Mora's plans in successive phases between 1601 and 1617. Francisco Gómez
de Sandoval y Rojas, first Duke of Lerma, ordered the castle built as a
place of lodging, rest an general enjoyment for King Felipe III.
This building features a central courtyard surrounded by columned arcades
in altenating sections: the first has 20 Tuscan columns with semi-circular
arches, and the second has 20 Ionic columns. The palace was restored and
converted into a Parador with rooms that have a capacity of 133 persons.
Aside from the usual hotel services such as restaurant and convention rooms,
the Parador is also equipped with Internet access. The Parador's
gastronomy is based on natural flavorful products found locally. The blood
sausage with rice and Burgos fresh cheese stand out, without forgetting
the fresh river fish, such as trout, as well as arriero-style soups and
stews ... |
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Parador
de Teruel, Teruel
Located on the outskirts
of historical Teruel, it perfectly expresses the mixture of cultures and
styles of this interesting monumental city which conceals some of the most
representative buildings of Mudejar art. This small Mudejar inspired palace
also combines numerous styles and lines in its construction. Marble, tiling,
pointed arches and Arabic details form the essence of cheerful and bright
rooms, decorated in pastel shades. It also has a spacious garden,
where the swimming pool and tennis court can be found, and rooms suitable
for holding conferences, work meetings or social functions. The dining
room offers the best gastronomic display of the area with dishes such as
'migas a la Pastora' (fried breadcrumbs and pork), 'caldereta de cordero'
(lamb stew), 'sopa en Perolico' (poultry soup) and 'suspiros de Amante'
(cheese and egg dessert). |
| Aragón
- Teruel - Alcañiz |
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Parador
de Alcañiz, Teruel Province
Built on the hill top called
the Cumbre de Cerro Pui-Pinos, this 12th-13th century castle-convent became
the seat of the Order of Calatrava in 1179. Dominating the landscape of
the Maestrazgo, it conserves the keep, the bell tower-sacristy and the
part reconverted into an 18th c. Aragonese palace. Gothic walls,
plateresque tomb and baroque façade are inserted into an interior
with soft, red and green coloured shades, adorned with Spanish wood in
furniture and beams. It also features a peaceful garden. A good number
of trips and activities related to adventure sports can be organized from
the Parador. Try the eggs done 'a la alcañizana' (the Alcañiz
way), the roasted 'ternasco' (veal), and some typical sweets like 'tortas
de Alma' and 'almendrados' (almond little cakes). The Somontano and Cariñena
wines are perfect to accompany these exquisite meals. |
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Parador
de Sos del Rey Católico, Zaragoza
Of Aragonese character,
the building conserves the monumental, historical and artistic atmosphere
of Sos del Rey Católico. The town, declared a Historical-Artistic
area, was the birthplace of influential nobles and of the Catholic King,
and the influence of the Aragonese and Navarrese foothills of the Pyrenees
can be made out in its landscape. It is an appropriate setting to discover
this medieval town and to visit areas of immense beauty. The regal
and elegant interior offers beautiful views of the town from some rooms.
Wood covers interior columns and predominates in the Castilian style furniture.
Space and light are a common feature in the bedrooms, thanks to their large
windows. The most representative gastronomic specialties are: 'ternasco
a la aragonesa' (roast young lamb), 'cordero al Chilindrón' (lamb),
marinated rabbit Sos-style and medieval flat cake. |
| Aragón
- Pyrenees - Bielsa |
|
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Parador
de Bielsa, Aragon - Pyrenees - Bielsa
This welcoming mountain
hotel is located in one of the now classical enclaves for outdoor sports
and activities, the western slopes of the Ordesa National Park and Monte
Perdido, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1997. The pure air
of the Pyrenees and of the Monte Perdido, the clean waters of the river
Cinca and the tradition of the Romanesque hermitage of Nuestra Señora
de la Pineta, offer a warm feeling of well-being, peace and quiet.
Floors, walls, beams and columns lined with wood contain modern and comfortable
furniture. The bedrooms have beautiful views of this lovely natural enclave.
The cooking of Upper Aragón, strong and spicy, offers simple but
tasty dishes: 'migas aragonesas' (fried breadcrumbs), Cinca river trout
'a lo fino', roast young lamb, leg of wild boar and the puff-pastry dessert
from Aragón, 'teresicas'. |
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Parador
de Calahorra - La Rioja
This red brick construction
harmoniously contrasts with the fresh water of the river Ebro and the Cidacos
Valley. The dense vegetation of the garden, filled with flowers and palm
trees, is inserted in one of the most important historical and artistic
ensembles of La Rioja. The most representative building of the former Calagurris,
of Roman origin, is the Cathedral. Wide portals, large windows and
blinds adorn a structure with smooth lines which, inside, has a decoration
with a clear Medieval influence. The working rooms are characterized by
their spaciousness and modern and functional installations. The cooking
of La Rioja is based on the quality of the products of its fertile land,
with vegetable stew, 'pochas' (pinto beans), chops with peppers, and pears
or peaches in wine standing out. Enjoy the very high quality of the Rioja
orchard products, in dishes such as 'menestra de verduras' (mixed vegetables),
pochas (beans), meat with peppers and pears, and peach in wine. |
| La
Rioja - Santo Domingo Bernardo de Fresneda |
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Parador
de Santo Domingo Bernardo de Fresneda
Under the modern cupola
which covers the novices patio, we may find the "Recreo" Restaurant, whose
name refers to the break the monks used to take in that same patio. This
new gastronomical offer is based on La Rioja's wonderful products, which
are prepared in a simple way. The menu abounds with tapas and sampler dishes
for sharing. The décor and the waiters' outfits are in unison with
the restaurant's modern features and the wine list offers the most innovative
products of the region's cellars. The Parador is sited in the Convent
of San Francisco, 800 meters from the historic center of Santo Domingo
de la Calzada. The convent was rebuilt in 1595 by Juan Herrera, and is
composed of three clearly differentiated seccions: Church, Museum-WorkShop
and Guest House. Once restored, the later will be converted into a Parador.
Its location on the "Way of Saint James" pilgrimage route, its design,
and its unmistakable cultural value make it the ideal place for rural tourism,
nature walks, or to enjoy a northern winter at its best. |
| La
Rioja - Santo Domingo de la Calzada La Rioja |
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Parador
de Santo Domingo de la Calzada La Rioja
The Parador occupies a 12th
c. former hospital, next to the cathedral, built by Saint Dominic to give
shelter to the pilgrims on the Road to Santiago. In a regal and elegant
style, it has majestic living rooms and a lobby with Gothic arches and
wooden coffered ceilings. Noble materials and bright colours - blues and
whites - lead to comfortable bedrooms, decorated with exquisite taste;
some have four poster beds. A warm, harmonious and balanced environment,
also suitable for social functions and meetings. In the restaurant it is
possible to sample stuffed 'piquillo' peppers, cod Rioja style and vegetable
stew from La Ribera, in addition to the excellent wines of La Rioja. |
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