In the past, there were so many villages trying to protect themselves from outsiders' attacks by building fortresses and walls around their territories. That is what happened in so many beautiful villages around Spain, some villages that are now hiding their beauty inside these enclosed areas. Impressive architecture from different historic times can be found nearby Paradores and we want you to know about them. Let's go for it.
Galisteo
One of the most symbolic fortified villages of Extremadura is Galisteo. This town is located in the Alagón Valley, inside the region of Cáceres. The wall that surrounds it is also known as the Galisteo Wall and it belongs to Arabic times in Spain. Not only the wall but the whole village keeps a mixture of Múdejar and Roman style with unique paintings from the XIII century. Galisteo used to be part of the old Roman road of Vía de la Plata route, and later on it became a really frequented spot on The Way of Saint James. La Picota tower is also one of the emblematic symbols of the village as well as the beautiful Nuestra Señora de la Asunción Church. The village of Galisteo is recognised as a Historic-Artistic Site.
Galisteo belongs to the juridical region of Plasencia, same as our stone old Santo Domingo Monastery from the XV century now working as the Parador de Plasencia. This one is located just 25 kilometres away from the unique village of Galisteo and right on the banks of the Jerte River.
Book now at Parador de Plasencia
Niebla
Located in the Andalusian region of Huelva, there is the village of Niebla. It is actually a well- known village because of being the historical capital of the County of Niebla. It has an important role during the Caliphate of Córdoba. So many history and cultures has gone through the village's life, even some Neolithic remains have been found there. The monumental historic heritage is so impressive. First of all, because of its Almohad Niebla's Walls, which is actually one of the best conserved ones in the whole Europe. The Roman aqueduct and roads as well as the restored Roman bridge over the Tinto River are some of the most symbolic monuments of the village. It is also interesting to visit the Gothic-Mudéjar styled Nuestra Señora la Granada church as well as the San Martín Church that used to be an old synagogue.
Do you know what else? Niebla is just 45 kilometres away from the Doñana National Park where our Parador de Mazagón stays: one magical spot in the south of Spain where green nature, deep blue ocean and peaceful beaches meet.
Book now at Parador de Mazagón
Morella
Morella is considered one of the most enchanting villages around Spain. In fact, it has been recognised as a Historic-Artistic Site. Its centenary medieval walls from the XIV century, being more than 2 kilometres long have become the most representative construction of the village as well as its castle placed over 1000 metres high. This castle hosts a total of 16 towers that together with the wall and the whole village create a genuine and lovely environment. It has also been related to the Cid Campeador history and so that is why it is also an important historic site. Everything is charming here: its traditional life, the Mediterranean gastronomy and all its surroundings will make you fall so in love with it.
It is so close to the Mediterranean coast, just 60 kilometres, same distance as to our Parador de Benicarló. You can book at our modern and luxurious hotel and relax in the coast and dedicate one-day trip to this historic and artistic village of Morella, don't you think so?
Book now at Parador de Benicarló
Urueña
Back in the XII and XIII centuries, in the region of Valladolid, the magnificent Walls of Urueña were built so as to make a fortified village out of it and keep it protected from possible attacks. It is an irregular construction with two entrances and all of it full of battlements. The whole historic centre is so well preserved that it still takes you to a medieval environment with the castle and the Renaissance Santa María del Azogue Church. This is another of the Spanish villages that has been recognised as Historic-Artistic Sites, and it definitely worths it. Urueña is fully surrounded by green fields, creating a feeling of eternity all around.
If you want to visit this medieval beautiful fortified village, you can make it really easy and fast from our Parador de Tordesillas as it is located around 35 kilometres away from it.
Book now at Parador de Tordesillas
Do not miss the opportunity of staying at our Paradores and visiting these gorgeous villages surrounded by historical walls and fortresses. It's such a plan!
