Hotels in Cuenca
Paradores of Castilla y La Mancha
Parador de  Alarcón

Avda. Amigos de los Castillos, 3
Alarcón, 16213, Cuenca 
Castilla y La Mancha
Spain

Parador de Santillana, Cantabria, Spain
Medieval arab fortress

This authentic 8th Century fortress is situated on a promontory above the meandering river Júcar, on the Manchego-Levantinas border. The hotel occupies the medieval castle of the Marqueses de Villena, which is over 13 centuries old. 

It was founded by the Muslims in the 8th Century and then taken over by King Alfonso VIII in the 12th Century. It was the home of distinguished writer, Don Juan Manuel and has experienced many sieges and revolts. The grandeur of the Parador can be witnessed in the Torre del Homenaje (Tower of Homage) both in its battlements and interior.

The hotel was redecorated in 2003 following some construction work on the entire hotel. It emphasised the fortress’s strength and austerity, removing the wall coverings and creating an appearance more in line with the original building.

Magnificent oak and a mixture of modern and classical styles have transformed this Parador into a new building. The fabrics used within bring out its medieval character; the reds and oranges contrast with the austerity of the space and serve as a backdrop for its genuine art collection. 

The castle, formerly owned by the Marqueses de Villena, displays works by Tapies, Redondela, Sempere, Amadeo Gabino, A lvaro Delgado, Martínez Novillo and Menchu Gal, and sends its paintings to the famous Abstract Art Museum in Cuenca. It is a peaceful haven on the Castile plateau.

Specialities and traditional dishes

The Parador de Alarcón cuisine is based on the famous ‘conquenese’ cuisine comprising pickled partridge, duck and game pâtés, and Manchegan ingredients such as Morteruelo (hot meat pâté), Zarajos (fried lamb’s intestines) and Pisto Manchego (marrow with onion and tomato). Cod dishes such as Tiznao (salt-cured cod with vegetables), Cod a la Manchega or the famous Ajo Mortero (garlic mashed potatoes).

The desserts include recipes handed down from Arab times such as Suspiros de Alarcón (sweet almond sauces), El Alajú (sweet almond pastry), the renowned cheeses of the La Mancha region and sweet Conquese drinks like resoli (coffee liqueur).

Manchegan farmland and vineyards. At the Parador de Alarcón you can sample the magnificent wines, which are of excellent quality and price. The red wines are particularly good made from garnachas, cencibel, moravia and merlot grapes.

Bedrooms - Total Rooms: 14
  • Double Rooms (double beds): 10
  • Places: 28
  • Telephone in bedrooms
  • Television
  • Twin Rooms: 4
Unique Room:  Infante Don Juan Manuel (106)
Located at the top of the Castle Keep, room 106 is dedicated to Infante Don Juan Manuel (nephew of King Alfono X El Sabio). The bedroom stands out thanks to its ceiling and Roman vault running from the floor which gives the room a magical medieval fortress feel. The most individual feature making it a Unique Room is the private access to the old lower Watchtower with the unbeatable views this charming hotel provides its guests.
Unique Room:  Infante Don Juan Manuel (106)
General Services:
  • Air Conditioning
  • Bar
  • Bureau de Change
  • Credit Cards
  • Distance to Airport: 132 km.
  • Distance to Port: 175 km.
  • Distance to Train Station: 86 km
  • Garden
  • Heating
  • No animals allowed
  • Parking (without security, limited places)
  • Restaurant
  • Satellite Dish
Local Festivals
  • Buenache de Alarcón.
  • Ferias (Festivals): 8th September, Albacete (90 km.)
  • Fiestas del Cristo (Christ Festivals): 15th September.
  • Fiestas patronales (Patron Saint Festivals): San Sebastián. 19th January.
  • Moros y Cristianos (Moors and Christians): 8th January, Valverde de Júcar (40 km.)
  • Semana Santa (Holy Week): Cuenca, a 85 km.


Area Attractions & Activities
Alarcón.
  • Plaza de Don Manuel (Don Manuel Square).
  • Churches.
  • Fortifications
  • Towers.
Cuenca capital (82 km.)
  • Ciudad Encantada (Enchanted City) (119 km.)
  • Cuenca (89 km.) 
    • Casas Colgadas (cliff edge houses).
    • Cathedral.
    • Casco Histórico (Old Town)
Routes
  • Saffron route.
  • Wine route.


Sisante and San Clemente (30 km.)

Roman cities.

  • Segóbriva (90 km.)
  • Valeria (49 km.)
  • Ercáciva (150 km.)
  • Belmonte (75 km.)
  • Embalse de Alarcón (6 km.)
  • Hoces del Río Gabriel Nature Reserve (48 km.)
  • Hoces del Río Júcar Nature Reserve in Alarcón.
Cultural trips.
  • Murals of San Juan.
  • Santa María Alterpiece.
  • Temporary art exhibitions in Santo Domingo.
Guided tours of Alarcón exploring some of its most symbolic buildings.
 

Activities
  • Canoe Treks
  • Fishing
  • Horse Routes
  • Hunting
  • Mountain Biking
  • Rambling
  • Trekking


Parador de  Alarcón

Avda. Amigos de los Castillos, 3
Alarcón, 16213, Cuenca 
Castilla y La Mancha
Spain


 

Hotels in Cuenca

Paradores of Castilla y La Mancha
 

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Latest update:  April 7, 2009