Description
Parador de Alcañiz - Medieval Convent-Castle (3*)
Steeped in history, this Parador 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 tranquility and the ornate stone design of such a domineering and imposing fortress.
Alcañiz's Parador, 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, for lighter meals, snacks, aperitifs and digestifs.
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