Do you like History? Do you like castles? Do you like medieval architecture? And... Are you planning to get married? If the answer is YES, this is what you are looking for. Our luxurious hotels of the Paradores chain are always located in special spots, and some of them are famous because of being inside some historic buildings, such as castles and palaces. This is the case of these Paradores: Parador de Alarcón, Parador de Jaén, Parador de Jarandilla, Parador de Oropesa and Parador de Olite. Don't you think it will be so romantic to ask your couple for marriage at one of these magical places?
Parador de Alarcón
The city of Alarcón is 87 kilometres far from Cuenca but it is one of the most representative ones of the region because of the Castle of Alarcón where our Parador de Alarcón takes place. The Castle of Alarcón was built 13 centuries ago, during the middle Ages and it is considered an Artistic-Historic Monument as well as part of Spanish Historic Heritage. Its fortress protects the village and the castle itself, which counts with 5 magnificent towers. This castle has an Arabic origin and it belonged to the Emirate of Cordoba. Once the Emirate fell, it passed to be under the power of Toledo. It was also given the manor of 63 villages of the region and throughout History, it has been ruled under so many kings and important Spanish historical royal people. The Castle of Alarcón even resisted after a battle against the Catholic Kings troops. After years and years of Spanish History, it was finally taken by the Ministry of Tourism in the year 1963 and so the Parador de Alarcón was stablished.
Parador de Alarcón
Parador de Jaén
Up in the Santa Catalina Hill, Santa Catalina Castle appears. This is the historic building where the Parador de Jaén stays. It is an Andalusian Castle from where you can fully admire the sights of the city of Jaén, which is just 7 kilometres far from there. Do you know what else? This Castle has become the symbol of the city. It keeps a medieval-Christian style, but before this influence, it was ruled by Iberians and then Muslims in the VIII century. The Christians came in the XV century and rebuilt it. After them, also the Napoleonic troops took the power of the castle. In the year 1931 it was named Artistic-Historical Monument and in the year 1965 our Parador de Jaén was placed there. It is a unique place for a romantic proposal, not only because of the beauty and History of the castle, but also because of its surroundings full of olive groves and nature.
Parador de Jaén
Parador de Jarandilla
Jarandilla de la Vera is a beautiful town 123 kilometres away from Cáceres, in Extremadura. Our Parador de Jarandilla was situated in a special spot: The Castle-Palace of the Count of Oropesa (Castillo - Palacio de los Condes de Oropesa). It has a rectangular shape with cylindrical towers and its beautiful plateresque gardens are so characteristic. It was built in the mid XV century and so that is why it keeps a Gothic style. The King Carlos V lived there while his usual residence was being reformed, and it used to be a summer residency for the Spanish nobility throughout years and years. The Castle is considered an architectonic treasure. Don't you think that will make your romantic plan even more special?
Parador de Jarandilla
Parador de Oropesa
The Palace of Oropesa is well known all over Spain. It is located 118km far from the city of Toledo. In 1923 the castle was named Artistic- Historic Monument and National Monument in 1926. We can say we feel so proud of having our Parador de Oropesa there. The Muslims built this castle during the XII and XIII century and it is said that it was under some past Roman construction. It was part of the Manor of Oropesa, which was mainly taken by the Alvarez de Toledo family, and after 1475, it became the central power spot of the Count of Oropesa. This Castle resisted a Civil War between Juana la Beltraneja, an important historical Spanish character, and the Catholic Queen Isabel, apart from another battle against the King Carlos V. The battle of love can also be won at this outstanding historical place of the Parador de Oropesa. No doubt!
Parador de Oropesa
Parador de Olite
Last, but not least. Parador de Olite has been placed inside the Palace of the Kings of Navarra, also known as the Royal Palace of Olite. It is 5 kilometres far from the village of Olite and 42 from Pamplona. The Royal Palace of Olite was used more as a residence than as a military base. The King Carlos III of Spain encouraged the extension of it in the XV century so as to make it a royal place. The palace has a disorganised design as it was not a unitary project. In fact, it has a combination of French gothic, British and Catalan style. After the year 1512 when the invasion of Navarra by the unified crowns of Castilla and Aragon took place, the palace started to decline. It also suffered a fire during the Spanish Independence War in 1813. However, the essence of Spanish History and majesty is kept nowadays at Parador de Olite. Moreover, the palace is considered the 1st of the 7 Medieval Wonders of Spain.
Parador de Olite
History, majesty, beauty, outstanding remains and lots of Culture... Which one would you add to your love story?
