Parador de Caceres

Spain - Extremadura - Caceres

Four star luxury hotel in a fourteenth century palace, built on earlier Arabic foundations

Caceres has one of the best concentrations of historic buildings in Spain. As a result of this, it has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

The buildings are constructed in brown stone on a hill top. Many of them have the coat of arms of the former owners carved in stone on the facade. Some are very decorative in style while others are very plain and austere.

One of the best times to see the town is at night when the defensive walls and buildings are lit with artificial light - a good enough reason to stay in this Parador.

The Parador itself is in the building which was the Palace of Torreoraz. It was built in the 14th century for Diego Garcia de Ulloa, a knight of the Order of Santiago and has the family coat of arms displayed.

The building is Gothic in style and incorporates an old slender tower. In the building is an inner courtyard which is paved and has a small cloister around it.

The interior has been converted to the luxury expected of a Parador but retains the atmosphere and many of the original pieces. Of particular note is the original mantelpiece in the living room.

Stone or wooden floors, wood beams and stylish furniture make for attractive living rooms. The bedrooms are decorated in soft cream shades and are spacious and comfortable.

The regional specialties of Extremadura served in the restaurant include:

"Lomo de venado al queso del Casar" which is venison with casar cheese sauce;
"Cabrito asado al romero", roast kid with rosemary;

Some might like to try the frog legs mozarabe style while others will prefer roast lamb or pork with fried potatoes.

While in the area, visit the Virgen de la Montana sanctuary. Also the prehistoric paintings of Maltravieso Cave and contrast this in the Vostell Museum of Modern Art in Malpartida de Caceres.

Local festivals include the "Festival of fire of San Jorge" held on April 23rd and the ”romerias” of Montana and Santa Lucia on the first and second Sundays of May.

Also in May is held the Womad Festival of World Music.

One of the features of the town are the storks who come in February to take over the abandoned nests of the previous year. They like the top of churches or other high perches and lie in perfect harmony with the humans below.

This Parador has eighteen twin bedded rooms, thirteen rooms with a double bed, a single room and a suite, all of which has a private bathroom.

The rooms all have a telephone, cable television and a mini bar.

There is heating and air conditioning throughout the hotel. It has a restaurant and a bar. A conference room is also available.

Animals are not allowed.

Directions

The historic old quarter of Caceres adds to the virtues of the Parador, wich has the only vehicle access in this lovely monumental setting. Located on Ancha Street, take Santa Clara as your point of reference. If you come by car, you will find bollards in the square wich restrict access to the Parador. To continue, you must contact the local police using the intercom at the traffic light. Indicate that you have reservations at the Parador and the bollards will be lowered. If there is another vehicle in front of you which has also requested access, never follow directly behind it. Wait for the bollards to rise and use the intercom to request access for your vehicle.