Theme:
Paradores of Spain and Pousadas of Portugal
Start City:
Alarcon
Distances:
Cuneca (89km), Madrid (192km), Valencia (164km)
Style:
Castle in Natural and Historical Area
Season:
Jan - Dec
Description:
MEDIEVAL ARAB FORTRESS This castle of S. VIII, authentic medieval
fortress, is based in a meander of the Júcar river, on a promontory in you are
contiguous manchego-levantinas.
The architecture of the Parador, which occupies the medieval castle of the
Marquises of Villena, is the result of more than three centuries of history.
Founded by the Muslims in the 8th century, it was captured by King Alfonso VIII
in the 12th century. Inhabited by the notable man of literature Don Juan Manuel,
it has been the scene of sieges and revolts.
The monumentalidad of the Inn is appraised in the Tower of the Tribute, the
battlements and the interior.
The Parador reopened its doors to the public on 15 June, after 8 months of
works. Emphasis has been placed on the severity and sobriety of the building,
eliminating paneling and offering an image which shows greater respect for the
original building.
Regal oak wood and a mix of modern and classic have made this a new Parador,
where the fabrics accentuate its medieval character. The use of reds and oranges
contrasts with the sobriety of the space, and serves to frame a true collection
of paintings which echoes the famous museum of abstract art in Cuenca. Tapies,
Redondela, Sempere, Amadeo Gabino, Alvaro Delgado, Martínez Novillo and Menchu
Gal are just some of the painters whose work decorates the former Castle of the
Marquises of Villena, a peaceful refuge on the Castilian plateau.
The island of the eternal spring, thanks to its unequalled climate, offers enormous contrasts and a wide variety of landscapes in its different areas...
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Mixture of history, art and tradition, the dream of pilgrims and an emblem of Santiago, the "Hostal Reyes Católicos", located in the Plaza do Obradoiro, forms a magnificent golden...
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Parador de Toledo
Located on the Cerro del Emperador by a meander of the river Tagus, this Parador offers an incomparable panoramic view of the monumental profile of Toledo...
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Pousada de Setubal - Sao Filipe
Pousada de Setúbal - São Filipe, a fortress built in the 17th century by King Philip II of Spain (Philip I of Portugal), has a breathtaking view over the River Sado estuary...
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We had a fabulous time on the Camino de Santiago! Everything worked as
it should have and all contact we had with anyone associated with
EATours was very friendly, very helpful and totally professional. You
can be sure that we will be passing the word. A real pleasure...
This castle of S. VIII, authentic medieval
fortress, is based in a meander of the Júcar river, on a promontory in you are
contiguous manchego-levantinas.
We had a fabulous time on the Camino de Santiago! Everything worked as
it should have and all contact we had with anyone associated with
EATours was very friendly, very helpful and totally professional. You
can be sure that we will be passing the word. A real pleasure... 
