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Modern palatial-style hotel (4*)
The Parador de Calahorra overlooks what was once the site of a Roman Circus thought to have been as large as those found in Rome. The area has further ties with Rome, as the Parador itself is built on the birthplace of Orator Quintilian, the Parador’s namesake. Quintilian was a well-known Hispanic orator who served under several Roman emperors, including Nero, and opened a popular rhetoric school in Rome. His statue resides at the entrance to the Parador.
Although the Parador Marco Fabio Quintiliano is a modern building, its bricks, pantiles, arches, and classical style reflect the Roman heritage of Calahorra. The interior is spacious, light and airy, and combines modern facilities with Medieval-style décor and furnishings. With numerous seating areas, and a welcoming café/bar lounge, there are plenty of spaces for guests to relax.
Many of the Parador de Calahorra’s bedrooms aim to emulate the historical atmosphere of the town with hard-wood flooring and Gothic furniture, yet they are still bright and comfortable. The Parador’s restaurant has a palatial style where guests can sample some of the area’s specialities.
The ancient hilltop town of Calahorra is in the heart of the Rioja wine-producing region, on the River Ebro, about half way between Bilbao and Zaragoza. Its history as a settlement goes back millennia, and it cherishes its Palaeolithic ancestry, as can be seen through the various ‘Tracks of the Dinosaurs’ excursions which follow the trails and fossils that are still preserved. In 187 B.C. Calahorra was conquered by the Romans, who transformed the town into an important administrative centre and much of this roman influence is reflected in its architecture. Some centuries later, under Moorish occupation, the town became an important historical centre of culture and of innovative farming technologies in the cultivation of fruit and vegetables, which paved the way for the growth of some of the well renowned specialities of the region such as the Rioja wines, artichokes, and red peppers. It was under this occupation that the first magistrate was appointed, regulating market trading and settling disputes, and higher education was at the forefront, with many encouraged to study humanities, law, medicine and sciences. Notable figures that emerged in Calahorra during this era include numerous poets and musicians, philosophers Averroes and Tofial, famous world geographer Idrisi, and the innovative chemist Abul-Rassen, rumoured to have been the inventor of turpentine.
The town of Calahorra is no stranger to visits from important historical figures, with many members of the Spanish royalty having stayed in or passed through the town, such as Joseph Bonaparte, brother of Napoleon and King José I of Spain, who is reported to have stayed in an inn situated on the very same road as the Parador de Calahorra. Most famously, Calahorra is the site where El Cid defeated Martín González of Aragon and claimed the area for the Crown of Castile. One of Calahorra’s most attractive features is the beautiful architecture seen around the town.
In addition to the fascinating influence of Roman architecture, many of the town’s religious buildings are considered to be some of the most beautiful of the region. The town was once home to a large Jewish population and featured one of the most important Jewish quarters in Spain. With the arrival of the Franciscan friars in the 16th century, the mosque was torn down, and churches were built around the town. The Catedral de Santa María is a Renaissance Cathedral built between the 15th and 18th centuries. Legend has it that this was the place were two Roman legionaries were decapitated, and it is celebrated as one of the most important religious buildings in Rioja. Entrance is free, and guests can marvel at the fascinating blend of renaissance and gothic interiors.
Calahorra’s natural surroundings, green valleys and mountains, make the town an ideal base for nature lovers. The Villaroya Oak Forest is home to oak trees over 100 years old and plenty of outdoor activities, such as hiking, vineyard tours, and country walks are available in the nearby areas. A popular walk is the Green Way of Cidacos, which follows a former railroad to the town of Arnedillo, home to natural springs and a well-renowned spa, the perfect spot to relax after your journey.
Breakfast is served from 7.30 to 11.00 (8.00 to 11.00 on weekends and holidays)
Lunch is served from 13.30 to 15.15
Dinner from 19.30 to 22.15. It may be possible to arrive up to 21.45 and still enjoy a meal.
The Parador de Calahorra is located 200m from the town hall at the end of the road which links the urban and historical centre. It is 45 km from Logroño along the N-232, but the main access is by the A-68, Zaragoza-Bilbao/Bilbo motorway, with an exit leading directly to Calahorra.
Private outdoor parking in front of the Parador
The small, northern region of La Rioja produces some of Spain's best known wines. The Parador hotels here are well placed to visit local wineries, as well as explore some important historical towns and stops on the St James' Way.
