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 The Paradores of Extremadura, Spain

Luxurious hotels in castles, palaces & other historic & cultural buildings in Spain

Exterior Views
Choose your Parador:
Badajoz - Mérida - Badajoz - Zafra
Cáceres - Cáceres - Guadalupe
Cáceres - Jarandilla de la Vera
 Cáceres - Plasencia -  
Extremadura - Trujillo
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More accommodation options in Extremadura
Badajoz - MéridaClick to view map
Mérida (Extremaduran: Méria) is the capital of the autonomous community of Extremadura, Spain. It has a population of 55,568 (2008).

Among the remaining Roman monuments are the Puente Romano, a bridge over the Guadiana River that is still used by pedestrians, and the longest of all existing Roman bridges; an important fortification to defend the bridge, and later used by the Moors, called Alcazaba; the Temple of Diana; the remains of the Forum, including the Arch of Trajan; the remains of the Circus Maximus; the Acueducto de los Milagros (aqueduct); a villa called the Villa Mitreo; the Embalse de Proserpina and Cornalvo reservoirs; the Circus, the Amphitheater, and the Teatro Romano, where a summer festival of Classical theater is presented, usually with versions of Greco-Roman classics or modern plays set in ancient times. One can also visit the Morerías archaeological site, Santa Maria's Cathedral, and many other locations all around the city to watch digging in progress, as well as the Museo Nacional de Arte Romano (designed by Rafael Moneo).

There are several notable buildings built recently, such as the Escuela de la Administración Pública (Public Administration College), the Consejerías y Asamblea de Junta de Extremadura (councils and parliament of Extremadura), the Agencía de la Vivienda de Extremadura (Housing Agency of Extremadura), the Biblioteca del Estado (State Library), the Palacio de Congresos y Exposiciones (auditorium), the Factoría de Ocio y Creación Joven (cultural and leisure center for youth), the Complejo Cultural Hernán Cortés (cultural center), the Ciudad Deportiva (sports city), the Universidad de Mérida (Mérida University), the Confederación Hidrografica del Guadiana (Guadiana Hydrographic Confederation designed by Rafael Moneo), the Puente Lusitania (Lusitania Bridge over the Guadiana River designed by Santiago Calatrava), the Palacio de Justicia (Justice Hall), etc.

Exterior Views Parador de Mérida, Mérida
The Hotel retains the structure of the former 18th century convent, built over the remains of a temple to the Concord of Augustus. It offers guests an opportunity to enjoy the rich heritage of the lovely city of Mérida and the landscape around it.  Some of the most outstanding spaces are the hotel lounge in the former convent refectory, the interior courtyard and the beautiful gardens, including the “Garden of Antiquities”, an archaeological collection consisting of Mudejar, Roman and Visigoth elements.  Taste the exquisite local dishes, including caldereta (lamb stew), assorted gazpachos, figs from Almoharín and naturally, truffles. 
Badajoz - ZafraClick to view map
Zafra - One of the most interesting stopovers in lower Extremadura, the white-walled town of Zafra is filled with old Moorish streets and squares. The 1457 castle of the dukes of Feria, the most important in the province, boasts both a sumptuous 16th-century Herreran patio and the Sala Dorada with its richly paneled ceiling - this building has now been converted into a Parador - details below.
Parador de Zafra, Zafra, Badajoz
The Hotel "Duque de Feria" in Zafra occupies a majestic castle which was begun in 1437 as the residence of the Dukes of Feria, one of Spain’s great families.  The spectacular façade expresses the importance of this castle-palace, which is the ideal base for exploring the architectural heritage and the natural beauties of the area.  Nine towers with battlements stand guard over a regal, grandiose interior which conserves beautiful coffered ceilings, trunks, ironwork, balustrades and other decorative details from the former palace.  The bedrooms, which still have their ducal coffered ceilings and decorative details, are lordly, elegant and spacious. The swimming pool and well-tended garden are also worth a mention. The best local dishes are offered in the dining room of the Parador de Zafra, such as caldereta de cordero (lamb stew), migas extremeñas (breadcrumbs), bacalao monacal (cod), zorongollo (tomato salad), cheesecake from La Serena, Iberian pork loin with Ibores cheese, and, of course, ham.
CáceresClick to view map
Cáceres - capital of Cáceres province in Extremadura. Products of cork, leather, pottery, and cloth are made there. Cáceres was an important Roman colony. It fell to the Moors in the 8th century but was recaptured (1229) by Alfonso IX. The old town, on top of a hill and encircled by turreted walls, has many notable Roman and Moorish structures.
Exterior Views Parador de Cáceres, Cáceres
The ancient Torreorgaz Palace is built on Arabic foundations with a linteled door and a Baroque coat of arms. It is in the heart of the Cáceres's old town and artistic centre, which has been declared a World Heritage Site. This 14th Century Parador, overlooked by its narrow tower, was founded by Diego García de Ulloa, knight of the Order of Santiago. Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles are reflected in the building and its surroundings.  Its internal courtyard, cobbled exterior, exposed wooden beams, and the lounge's original mantelpiece make up the hotel's interior decoration. The bedrooms, decorated in soft shades of cream are tasteful, spacious and comfortable.  Rosemary roast goat kid, merluza a la cacereña (hake dish), ancas de rana a lo mozárabe (Arabic-style frogs’ legs), roast young lamb shank with patatas a lo pobre (potatoes with green peppers and onions), and roast suckling pig... Where do you begin?  The hotel also has a wine-cellar featuring more than 300 varieties of Spanish wine. 
Cáceres - GuadalupeClick to view map
Guadalupe - noted for its monastery (formerly Hieronymite, now Franciscan) and the shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, whose cult was transferred in the 16th century to Guadalupe Hidalgo, Mexico. The area is still a pilgrimage center.
Parador de Guadalupe - Caceres Province
The hotel is housed in an old hospital that was intended for pilgrims in the 15th century. The parador takes its name of' Zurbaran' from the fact that the adjacent Guadalupe monastery preserves a collection of pictures by this famous artist. The impressive fortress-monastery of Guadalupe is a centre of pilgrimage in the region of Extremadura.  They are decorated in rustic style. Most of them are located around the inner square. spacious common rooms on the inside with white walls and bedrooms which recall the religious function as convent.  Monastic cod, Extemadura ajo blanco (almond and garlic gazpacho), Extremadura migas, Iberian sausages, lamb stew, chestnut pudding, Guadalupe muégano cookie. Savour the simple local cuisine and bon appétit!
Cáceres - Jarandilla de la VeraClick to view map
Jarandilla de la Vera - Monumental town with a castle and monastery, located approximately 230 kms from Madrid.
Exterior Views Parador de Jarandilla de la Vera - Cáceres Province
The palace-castle lies sheltered in the middle of the Vera and Tiétar valley, between gorges filled with water, woods of chestnut trees and oak groves and stunningly beautiful natural landscapes that reaffirm the richness of their historical, majestic surroundings. For months it played host to an illustrious guest - Emperor Carlos V.  From the exterior the towers, the courtyard, the patio de armas courtyard and its excellent swimming pool contrast with the olive and orange trees. Inside you will find a relaxing and intimate atmosphere. Enjoy the exquisite Extremaduran gastronomy: tomato soup, pucherete de perdiz (partridge stew), lomitos de cordero asados a la miel de la dehesa (honey roast lamb), migas extremeñas (garlic breadcrumbs) and, above all, tarta de bellota extremeña con sus bomboncitos (acorn cake with chocolate drops).
Cáceres - PlasenciaClick to view map
Plasencia - is a walled market city in the province of Cáceres.  The focal point of the old city is the market square (Plaza Mayor), where a weekly tax-free market has been in operation every Tuesday since the foundation of the city.
Exterior Views Parador de Plasencia, Plasencia, Cáceres Province
The hotel is in the former 15th-17th century convent of Sto. Domingo, founded by the Zúñiga family in the mid 15th century, in the Gothic style inside and in part of the exterior.  Strategically located in the historic centre of Plasencia, this is the ideal place to explore the architectural beauty of this singular city and the beautiful landscape around it. Try the exquisite cooking of Extremadura: Potato soup, partridge stew, lamb with local honey, compote of figs from La Vera, and the famous migas. During your next stay in Plasencia, don't miss our night bar - A place to have conversation with friends, to feel well with your partner, a space to find relaxation.  We have selected the best jazz music, both instrumental and vocal; a warm and soft illumination with dozens of candles and a selection of the best beverages together with the best service.
Extremadura - TrujilloClick to view map
Trujillo - A beautiful small town with many restaurants and bars.  Perched on a hill some 580 meters above sea level, dominating an extensive plain between Extremadura's two major rivers the Tagus and the Guadiana, lie the Towers of Trujillo. Trujillo is crowned by its Moorish Castle, built on Roman foundations, ramparts and fortifications.

Just a few miles from Monfragüe's National Park, Trujillo sits in a privileged location. It is merely 47 km from Cáceres, one hour by car from Guadalupe, 90 km from Mérida, Plasencia and Navalmoral de la Mata. Easy connection with Madrid is made possible by a motorway, the A-5, stretching for 250 km.

Exterior Views Parador de Trujillo, Trujillo
This hotel is situated in the converted Santa Clara convent which was founded by the order of the conceptionists in the 16th century. The convent building is simply laid out around a central cloister which now has three renaissance fountains and lovely plants and trees growing around them.  Nuns used to live in the convent until it was converted into a hotel, therefore their cells have been used as rooms for guests. There are 45 doubles and a suite, distributed around a renaissance cloister and its well, with views of the town or nearby fields.  The refectory, a vaulted room with a magnificent tiled wall is where international and Regional cuisine can be sampled.  Ideal for rest, leisure work, the Parador has monastic style common rooms and details, spacious, quite and pleasant living rooms, noble bedrooms in which wood takes preference.
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Latest update: October 3, 2012