Parador de Almagro

Spain - Ciudad Real - Almagro

Formerly a 16th Century Franciscan Convent

The Convent of San Francisco was built by the Davila de la Cueva family in 1596 and is now a four star Parador.

It is located in a historic - artistic position of great interest and is very close to the most attractive areas of the town.

The interior of the Parador has an elegant, serene atmosphere and this is reflected in the bedrooms and public areas.  There are beautiful galleries which feature much rich wood and latticework.

There are 14 inner courtyards and a splendid garden which was used, in former times, for social functions.

The wine cellar has been converted into a bar with a 'Cervantine' ambiance.

Unlike most of the former convents, the Boardroom has an austerity which one would associate with a convent. This is in sharp contrast with the Louis 15th room which is furnished in keeping with the luxury of that period.

The bedrooms, originally the monastic cells, are a haven of peace and tranquility.

The restaurant serves traditional La Mancha cuisine. Some dishes have an Arabic influence from the period when the region was under the control of the Moors from North Africa.

Specialities to be tried include :

"Pisto Manchego", a vegetable salad;
"Berenjenas", aubergine dish;
"Mojote" and "Ttiznao", two cold dishes suitable on a hot day;

In the area you may care to visit the Corral de Comedias (the old theatre), the Convent of Calatrava, the Palace of Fugger, the Old University, Plaza Mayor, and the Cathedral.

In July, the Almagro International Festival of Classical Drama is held.

Other interesting events are the feasts of Virgen de las Nieves and San Bartolome which are both held in August.

The Tablas de Daimiel National Park, approximately 30 kms away, have now recovered after being adversely affected by years of drought.

The Parador has forty four twin bedrooms, two single bedrooms, five double bedrooms and three suites.

In the rooms you will find a telephone, television with cable and satellite, mini bar and a safe.

The Parador is heated, has air conditioning, elevator, restaurant and bar. There is an outdoor swimming pool, conference room and facilities for the disabled.

Animals are not allowed.

D I R E C T I O N S

The Parador is located on the Ronda de San Francisco, in the old quarter of Almagro. Almagro is 200 km away from Madrid. Following the Andalucia Madrid-Cadiz highway, Almagro can be reached from Manzanares by heading towards Bolanos-Almagro; 125 km from Bailen. By the Andalucia Madrid-Cadiz highway, you can reach Almagro from Valdepenas by heading towards Moral de Calatrava-Almagro; 130 km from Toledo. Following the N-401 national highway, Almagro can be reached from Ciudad Real; and 180 km from Albacete. Following the Levante highway towards Villarrobledo, Almagro can be reached from the N-310 national highway heading towards Manzanares-Bolanos-Almagro.