Spain - Leon

Luxury five star hotel using a monastery which was originally founded in the twelfth century to provide 'lodging for the poor of Christ' making their pilgrimage to Santiago.

The Parador was originally a monastery founded in the twelfth century to provide lodging for the pilgrims travelling to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia.

It later became the headquarters of the Order of Saint James whose soldiers provided protection for the pilgrims.

The original building was demolished in the sixteenth century and the construction ot the present building, on the original site, commenced in 1515.

This is one of the most beautiful Renaissance building in Spain. The carvings depicting religious and historical events on the100 metre long facade are worthy of note.

Magnificent cloisters were added and improved between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries which look over the gardens.

The public rooms are many all filled with paintings, carvings and tapestries.

The restaurant specialises in the local dishes. You will be invited to try:

"Cocido maragato" which is a stew of chickpeas, meat, bacon, etc.
"Ancas de rana" which are frog legs.
"Cecina curada" which is smoked meat which might be beef of the game of the mountains.

The Romans rebuilt the city in 70 AD but this city was destroyed by the Moors.

It was rebuilt in the ninth century and was the capital city of the Kingdom of Leon.

Its proud boast is the Leon had '24 kings before Castilla had any laws'. (Madrid is in Castilla which later took over the kingdom!)

Places to visit in the town include the cathedral which was built on the site of the second century Roman baths.

Also the Royal Church of San Isidoro, the archaeological Museum, and the "Casa de Botines" by Gaudi.

This Parador has one hundred and ninety five twin bedded rooms, fifteen rooms with a double bed and sixteen suites.
All the rooms have a private bathroom. Some rooms are specially equipped for the disabled.

In the rooms, there is a telephone, satellite television, safe and a mini bar.

The hotel has air conditioning in the living rooms and the dining room. There is a gift shop, restaurant and bar. Facilities are available to hold business meetings.

Pets are not allowed in the hotel.

Directions

The Parador is located in the Plaza de San Marcos, next to the bridge of the same name over the river Bernesga. From Madrid it can be reached along the main N-VI road, after passing Valladolid and Benavente, at 130 and 66 km respectively. From Oviedo (120 km), it is reached by the N-632 or along the A-6 motorway.