Mudéjar-inspired Palace (3*)
Northwest of Valencia up in the mountains you will find the charming Parador de Teruel. This Parador is a former palace, but not at all in a stately sense as it feels much more like a welcoming royal country house with its picturesque surroundings, well-manicured lawns with pretty tables and an enchanting garden.
The Parador de Teruel is a beautiful building which is true to its heritage with medieval architecture easily recognisable by the arching windows and majestic entrance. Stepping into the Parador you are greeted by light and airy spaces which offer a refreshing ambiance, but which also feature tasteful ornate decoration ensuring that the building does not lose any of its original charm. This Parador boasts a spectacular garden, which is very much like a private park, complete with lampposts. Imagine meandering along pathways framed by trees creating a magical atmosphere. The gardens are ideally located so that they can be enjoyed from the comfort of the shaded restaurant terrace whilst enjoying an evening meal. Teruel’s Parador also features a substantial indoor communal area where you can relax with a drink after a busy day exploring the beautiful city centre. Bedrooms follow the light and airy theme and there are a number of rooms with balconies overlooking the impressive countryside. The Parador also has an seasonal outdoor swimming pool and tennis courts for its more energetic guests.
Keytours Tip:
A short half hour stroll or a six minute drive away from the Parador you will find the town of Teruel, steeped in history and famous for being the site of one of the most severe battles of the Spanish Civil War. In fact the number of historic monuments in the city has resulted in it achieving UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Teruel is a town best explored on foot where you can truly appreciate the beauty of buildings and the area’s fascinating history. Here you will find the origins of Teruel’s Mudejar influences in the shape of the 12th century Cathedral, which was constructed on the site of a previous standing church. It is worth a visit inside to peruse the square tower and fascinating Mudejar-style ceiling.
There is an unmistakable romantic air to Teruel, and it is no coincidence that it is known as the ‘Lovers City’. Teruel was the site of the tragic tale of Isabel and Diego, two lovers from the 13th century who died due to an impossible love affair. The mausoleum, which houses their sarcophagi still joined by clutching marble hands, receives thousands of visitors and each Valentine’s Day the city dresses in medieval style to commemorate this tragic love story.
Looking across Teruel’s skyline you will see the collection of Mudejar towers including the San Salvador tower, the San Martín church tower and the San Pedro tower, the last of which is the oldest having stood watch over the city since 1238. The towers all have common features including a brick façade, ceramic detailing and double arches revealing their historical connections to one another. Another fascinating monument dominating Teruel’s skyline is the aqueduct arches, a 16th century build traversing the ravine which connects one side of the city to the other. Journeying out of the historic part of Teruel will lead you to the modern part of the city which encompasses the Fueros de Aragón Park and the modern Congress Centre. Teruel is the ideal base for exploring nearby Albarracín, a magical town which is the former capital of a Moorish kingdom. The town has preserved all of the original Moorish influences with structures dating back to the 10th and 11th centuries. Considered to be one of the most beautiful towns in Spain, it is certainly worth a visit to immerse yourself in a truly medieval experience.
For seasonal Parador pool opening times please visit our information on pools page.
Restaurant opening times:
Breakfast: 8.00 to 11.00
Lunch: 13.30 to 16.00
Dinner is served from 20.30 to 23.00. It may be possible to arrive up to 22.30 and still enjoy a meal.
Cafe/bar is open from 11.00 until midnight.
Some 2 km from the centre of the city, from the splendid Mudejar towers and the Cathedral, it is 35 km from Albarracín, 40 km from Mora de Rubielos and 162 km from Alcañiz. The Parador is located next to the N-234 Sagunto-Burgos road, at kilometre 124.
Free outdoor parking, garage parking (daily charge) 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.