Official UK partner to the Paradors, Pousadas, Pestana Hotels & Resorts,
Teritoria, and European Hotels Collection. Keytours International,
formerly Keytel International, your agent in the UK.
17th century palace (4*)
Few hotels offer you the opportunity to stay in a palace built for royalty, particularly one which retains many of its original features and benefits from plush décor to make your stay all that more special. The Parador de Lerma, set in the upper part of the town just 25 minutes' drive south of Burgos, is a ducal palace erected between 1601 and 1617 by Francisco de Mora under the instruction of the first Duke of Lerma, Francisco Gómez de Sandoval y Rojas. The vision for the Parador was “a place of lodging, rest and general enjoyment” for King Phillip III, a sentiment which still applies to its guests hundreds of years later. The interior décor of both the rooms and communal areas is elegant and befitting of the historical importance of this magnificent building. The Parador has retained many of its original features, a spiral turret at each corner, as well as breathtakingly high ceilings supported by stone columns. Columns are a principal feature of this Parador in both Tuscan and Ionic styles.
From the outside one may mistake the Parador for a grand official building of government proportions, but on entering you will see just how much comfort this hotel has to offer. A particularly special feature is its inner courtyard where you can enjoy a drink or a bite to eat in the sunshine, secluded from the outside world. The Parador Lerma boasts several superior rooms each with different features which guarantee good views and extra space. One of the superior double rooms and a suite feature a pair of balconies from which to enjoy the surrounding views. There is also a suite which features a sunken jacuzzi bath with views out towards the countryside for a truly relaxing experience.
Keytours Tip:
Lerma has been a settlement since the pre-Roman era and was once an important thoroughfare for the Romans, something that can be evidenced by eagle-eyed visitors who can spot Roman carved tiles that were used in the town's walls. After the Reconquista, the town was transformed into a typical medieval walled city although much of the walls were destroyed in following conflicts. Rebuilt in the 16th century, the only remnant of the medieval wall is the Arco de la Cárcel which serves as the gateway into the medieval quarter (and has been used as a prison at various times over the years).
The central location of Parador de Lerma invites its guests to explore this well-preserved historic town. The Plaza Mayor is situated just opposite the Parador and at night, cleverly-placed lighting emphasises the splendour of the palace. This square is often used for local festivities and fiestas, a source of joy and community building for the town.
The town's medieval quarter will take you back in time with historical buildings such as the the Arco de la Cárcel, San Blas Convent, Santo Domingo Monastery, Pasadizo del Duque (Duke's Passage) and, Lerma's most significant religious building, the former collegiate church of San Pedro. Further afield you can find Covarrubias, a town established in the middle ages with beautiful churches such as the San Cosme y San Damián Collegiate Church. The Monastery of Santo Domingo de Silos is a working Benedictine Monastery which can be found just half an hour away from Lerma by car. The order is famous worldwide for its Gregorian Chanting and those lucky enough to schedule a visit during public services may be lucky enough to witness this ethereal experience and visits the cloisters and pharmacy which are open to the public.
The city of Aranda de Duero, famous for its wine, culinary delights, monuments and history, is also worth a visit and there are several bodegas where you can pop into to sample and buy some of the local vintage.
Perhaps Lerma's most attractive feature is its proximity to the city Burgos. Its magnificent UNESCO-protected cathedral is a must-see and is the burial site of El Cid, Spain's most famous reconquistador.
Lerma’s excellent location, some 45km south of Burgos, makes this a popular rest stop for those travelling through Spain from the northern ports.
Main Parador Restaurant (Mayorazgo) Opening times:
Breakfast: 8.00 to 11.00
Lunch: 13.45 to 16.00
Dinner from 20.15 to 22.45. It may be possible to arrive up to 21.45 and still enjoy a meal.
La Bodeguita (the less formal dining space offering tapas and raciones):
Weekdays: 11.00 to 16.00 and 20.00 to 23.00
Weekends: All day service between 11.00 and 23.00
Cafe/bar is open from 11.00 until 23.30 offering bar snacks and light dishes.
The Parador is situated in Lerma's Plaza Mayor - the main square - and is easily identifiable. Lerma is located 35km south of Burgos and 199 km from Madrid, and the main access road is the A-I motorway. The nearest cities to Lerma are: Palencia (55 km), Vitoria (145 km) and Logroño (165 km).
Free parking in Plaza Mayor and garage parking (daily charge applies). There are facilities for charging electric vehicles, the cost of which is payable locally.
The largest of Spain's 17 Autonomous Communities, Castilla y León is unsurprisingly home to some of the countries most important cities, historic cultural sites and and 15 Paradors, so you can plan a leisurely itinerary across the region.
