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Renaissance Palace (4*)
Situated on top of a hill with breath-taking views across to Vitoria and the Rioja Alava wine region, this 17th century Renaissance style palace became a Parador in 1978. The Parador de Argómaniz was originally owned by the influential Larrea family in the 17th Century, becoming a palace in 1712. Its claim to fame came in 1813 when the commander of Napoleon's forces - his brother Joseph - resided at the Parador de Argómaniz on the eve of the Battle of Vitoria in which he was to be defeated by the Duke of Wellington.
Even though the Parador de Argómaniz has undergone a refurbishment to ensure the comfort and leisure of its guests, the pillared doorways and stone staircases help to bring the history of this beautiful Parador to life. The result is a light and airy property with a modern twist on decoration which retains the character of its 17th century origins. The architecture of the palace is interestingly unconventional in its use of wood. There are no eaves to the building, so the wooden timber beams, resting on wooden pillars, which support the roof are exposed making for fascinating authentic décor. Local belief is that the loft was formerly used as a granary, but today that loft has been removed and now houses the dining area which provides breath-taking panoramic views from one of the many port-hole style windows. These incredible views can also be admired from the terrace where you can enjoy a glass of wine, indulge in a good book or just take in the impressive surrounding scenery.
The Parador de Argómaniz's bedrooms are bright and airy, decorated in a fresh, contemporary style. Some rooms benefit from views over the stunning Alavese plains (we recommend upgrading to supeiror rooms for better views). The public areas are welcoming, many featuring the original pillars and stonework of the original palace, and the Parador's restaurant offers typical Basque dishes in a charming dining room.
The Parador is set in the small village of Argómaniz, the perfect location for enjoying quiet walks in the countryside whilst admiring the scenery. Activities such as golf and horse riding are available in these parts and, for the more adventurous traveller, there are also hang-gliding and water sports facilities. For those looking to explore further afield, the city of Vitoria can be found a mere 12km away. Vitoria was founded at the end of the 12th century and today still boasts a picturesque medieval city centre. Here you will find the cathedral of Santa María and a number of palaces and various museums. The architecture of the town hall building is of particular interest with its rows of balconies and grand columned façade. One can also enjoy a relaxing walk in La Florida Park, which is conveniently located right at the heart of the city. Just an hour’s drive north of the Parador will take you to Bilbao and the beaches of San Sebastián which are popular amongst tourists and locals alike.
An hour south of the Parador will take you to the Rioja Álava wine region, home to the famous Marques de Riscal vineyards. Keep an look out for the eye-catching Marques de Riscal hotel designed by Canadian architect Frank O. Gehry, the man behind Bilbao's famous Guggenheim Museum. On the way down to the region, be sure to stop off at the “El Balcón de La Rioja” observatory to experience magnificent views over the Álava plains. Argómaniz really is a fantastic location to enjoy both the best of the Basque Country and Rioja wine country.
Breakfast is served from 7.30 to 11.00
Lunch is served from 13.30 tp 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.
Located 12 km from Vitoria/Gasteiz, the Parador de Argómaniz is located in the Larrea Palace. From its summit you can make out the Plains of Álavesa and the mountains of Urbasa and Gorbea. The Parador is easily reached from the N-1 main road--Madrid-Irún--which it is next to; you then take the Km 363 turn-off and from here, the town of Argómaniz is 1 km away.
The Parador has free outdoor parking.
Most noted for its strong cultural identity and language, pintxos and excellent vineyards, the Basque Country as plenty to offer visitors to Spain and its Paradors make the most of both the coastal and natural settings this region has to offer.
