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Parador de Alcañiz - Medieval Convent-Castle (3*)
Steeped in history, Parador de Alcañiz incorporates a castle-convent built in the 12th–13th century and an 18th-century Aragonese palace. In 1179 the Order of Calatrava, the first military order founded in Spain, was awarded the castle of Alcañiz and surrounding estates in gratitude for their services against the Moors. The great historic complex stands foursquare on a hill above the old town and the River Guadalope, dominating the surrounding landscape of the Maestrazgo and is visible from afar. The local tourist office operates guided tours on weekends in Spanish and sometimes in English, to visit the original castle and convent structures.
You can't help but be impressed by the calm tranquillity and the ornate stone design of such a domineering and imposing fortress. The Parador de Alcañiz, with its mixture of Gothic and Baroque styles, includes the old cloisters, a great dining hall and a secluded garden, with spacious parking all around. The interior of the hotel is decorated in soft, orange-tinted shades, and features wooden beams and furniture.
The restaurant offers comforting Aragonese cooking, such as various lamb dishes, Huevos a la Alcañizana (eggs with ham, sausage and roasted red peppers), Tortas de Alma (pumpkin-filled turnovers), and Almendrados (a dessert made from egg whites and toasted almonds). The Parador de Alcañiz also has a cafeteria bar, set opposite the reception and full of atmosphere, offering lighter meals, snacks, aperitifs and digestifs.
From the Parador you can easily stroll down into the town for a drink before dinner or for shopping, and the small tourist office on the main square - Plaza de España - is worth a visit. You can still access parts of the tunnels which used to run up to the castle and connected the churches of the town, as well as the original ice cellars, directly from the main hall of the tourist office. A small charge is made for this tour, but it is fascinating to be able to enter these mysterious tunnels and to discover more about life in Medieval times.
The castle and the historic buildings around the Plaza de España are the main areas that you will want to visit, but Alcañiz represents a very typical Spanish provincial town and it is enjoyable to see and experience how life is, here today. For motor enthusiasts, the nearby Motorland of Aragón is a new racing circuit used by Moto GP and various racing bodies for top level car and motorbike racing.
Breakfast is served from 7.45 to 10.30 on weekdays and from 08.00 to 11.00 on weekends.
Lunch from 13.30 to 15.30
Dinner from 20.30 to 23.00. It may be possible to arrive up to 22.30 and still enjoy a meal.
The cafeteria/bar is open from 11.00 to 23.15 (and until 23.30 on weekends)
The Parador is located at the top of the Cerro Pui-Pinos, at the foot of which the 'city of squares' spreads out with porticos and narrow streets with balconies maintaining its medieval charms. Alcañiz is located 105 km from Zaragoza along the main N-232 road towards Madrid, and 65 km from Morella, on the road to Castellón de La Plana.
Free outdoor parking and facilities for charging electric vehicles, the cost of which is payable locally.
Aragón, a northern region of Spain with a rich royal history, is home to some breath-taking areas of natural beauty, charming towns and cities and some beautiful Parador hotels set in rural, tranquil locations.
