Journeys Near and Far

Paradores – Spain’s Historic Hotels

Unique properties introduce visitors to a history-rich Spain

Today I'm happy to present a guest post written by Holly Maguire of escapio.com:

Many peoples’ visions of vacations in Spain are overwhelmed by crowded beaches, partying teenagers and being harassed on Las Ramblas in Barcelona. The Paradores hotels rewrite all these preconceptions – the group of truly unique properties scattered across Spain’s rural, unspoilt regions and towns introduce visitors to a history-rich Spain. Originally built as castles, convents, fortresses, monasteries, churches and palaces, walking into one of these converted properties is like stepping back in time.

The idea to convert these ancient sites into modern accommodations was first introduced by King Alfonso XIII in 1926 who commissioned the Royal Commissary of Tourism to realise his concept. These exquisite hotels are steeped in Iberian history and offer some of the most spectacular settings. Here are a few exemplary properties to whet your Spanish appetite.

 Parador de Oropesa, Castile La Mancha

Parador de Oropesa, Castile La Mancha- This was originally the ancestral home of the Alvarez de Toledo (Counts of Oropesa). Situated in the Castilian countryside, west of Madrid, it was often used as a refuge for soldiers, noblemen and monks and has a spectacular backdrop of the phenomenal snow-capped Gredos mountain range. There are some quite extraordinary panoramic views of the many vineyards and olive groves, which are best viewed from the top of the Homenaje Tower.

This beautiful castle underwent restoration in 1402 to produce the building that can be seen today and now as a 4 star hotel, provides luxury accommodation whilst managing to retain many charming and historical features.

The courtyard features original columns, arches and authentic embellishments, whilst common areas like the restaurant feature unique vaulted wooden ceilings and antique lighting. The hotel is known for the game and seasonal produce which forms the basis for many of their fantastic dishes.

Scenic Sunday: The Alhambra, Granada, Spain

 
The Alhambra, Granada, Spain

There's a haze in the distance, but I like this photo of the Alhambra because it reminds me of several days spent soul-searching in Granada during a three-week solo tour of Spain. 

Just like so many before me who have found solace in this Moorish realm of legends and dreams, I , too, found peace.  Even Washington Irving, who wrote the Tales of the Alhambra, remarked, "It absolutely appears to me like a dream, or as if I am spellbound in some fairy palace."

The dream here ended for the Moors when the Catholic monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella, laid siege to Granada on January 2, 1492.  The last Moorish sultan, Abu-'Abdi-Llah, Muhammad XII, called Boabdil, "the luckless one", surrendered, and eight centuries of Moorish rule came to an end.

The heartbroken Moors had to leave the Alhambra, which one Muslim poet described as "a great ruby set upon a crown."  Indeed, poised atop Sabika Hill like a vast ship about to set sail, the Alhambra's orangey-gold walls shimmer like a jewel in southern Spain's sunlight.

Have you been here?  What are your thoughts about it?  Can you recommend any similar places?

Romantic Legends of the Alhambra -- Granada, Spain

"It absolutely appears to me like a dream; or as if I am spellbound in some fairy palace," wrote Washington Irving in his Tales of the Alhambra.  The Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain, about which Irving was writing, is a Moorish Palace that sits atop a hill, just above the Alhambra Woods -- a dreamy expanse of horse chestnuts, elms and poplar trees.

This palace, the last outpost of the Moors in Spain, consists of three main areas:  The Alcazaba, a military fortress built for the internal security of the sultan, the Nasrid Palaces, where legends of treasure, princesses and sultanas dwell like the ghosts of the Alhambra's Moorish past, and the Generalife, a magnificent summer palace and royal garden where many have sought refuge over the years.

Learn more about this palace of legends and dreams on upcoming posts to Journeys Near and Far.  And if you can, read Washington Irving's Tales of the Alhambra, which has wonderful descriptions interspersed with the folk tales that Irving collected from the people of Granada.