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Medieval fortress (4*)
The iconic Parador de Cardona is a 14th-century medieval castle perched high above the town, surrounded by 9th-century fortified walls which also encircle an 11-century church and tower. The Parador can be spotted from afar as you approach the town, this is a picture-postcard castle with a great deal of atmosphere and charm. Striking colours are often used in the interior decoration of the public areas, many of these being genuine colours of the original era of the castle. Vaulted ceilings, wooden beams, numerous archways and exposed stonework are all key features of Cardona’s Parador, all carefully restored and maintained.
The views from the battlements across the town, the river and the surrounding countryside are spectacular. The moats, turrets, arches and Romanesque walls will delight visitors with an interest in history. With magnificent Catalan-inspired medieval furniture, drapes and tapestries, and some bedrooms are furnished with four-poster beds. The original fortress has been extended and rebuilt through the centuries, leaving it a rather busy complex of halls, towers and defences, and giving it a particular appeal. Occasional concerts take place in the grounds of the Parador and in the church; such is the attraction of the site.
The Parador's medieval-style restaurant specialises in typical Catalan cooking, particularly good hearty cuisine from the region using wild mushrooms, meats and sausages and local truffles can be enjoyed seasonally.
Keytours tips:
The river Cardener flows past the town and adds to the attractiveness of the landscape. Cardona is a quiet town, with some shops and local services, but worth a stroll around particularly in the evening. The town was formed around, and beneath, the protection of the castle, and in the 13th and 14th centuries the Cardona family attained prominence as they became sizeable landowners (owning 30 towns, 25 castles and four sea ports) and their status as nobility was raised substantially. The Romanesque church within the walls of the fortress – San Vicente Collegiate Church – dates back to 1040 and features a crypt and within the tombs here lie many of Spain’s early aristocracy. There is also a chapel alongside which is more recently built, on the site of the original chapel.
This is 'castle country', with over 90 castles in various states of repair to be found within the area of Solsona alone. The Benedictine Abbey of Montserrat, only 57km from Cardona, is well worth a visit, famous for its shrine to the Virgin and its dramatic mountain setting, and for concerts frequently performed by choirs and orchestras. There is a funicular railway that transports you to the top of the mountain and from there you can enjoy views of the mysterious rock formations and several monks’ retreats in the mountainside. This is also a significant area for rock climbers and hikers. Your gaze will also be caught by the rock salt mountain Sal Gema in the Salado valley nearby, an impressive mound of salt that changes colour as sunlight passes over it.
Cardona enjoys an excellent location between key Catalan cities and is equidistant from Barcelona, La Seu d’Urgell, and Vic, making it an ideal stop for those planning a tour of Catalonia.
Catalunya Accommodation tax: All guests over the age of 16 who are staying in Paradors within Catalunya will be charged locally a tax of €1-2 per person per night (for a maximum of 7 nights).
Breakfast is served from 8.00 to 10.45
Lunch is served from 13.30 to 15.30
Dinner is served from 20.00 to 22.30. It may be possible to arrive up to 22.00 and still enjoy a meal.
Cafeteria is open from 11.00 to 23.30 Sunday to Thursday and until midnight on Friday and Saturday.
Located on a hill opposite the town of Cardona, the Parador is 85 km from Barcelona. The A-18 motorway, leaving Manresa towards Solsona, is the main means of access. From Lleida, take the C-1313 motorway heading towards La Seu d'Urgell and exit at Solsona.
The Parador does not have a private car park but guests are able to park at the entrance.
Catalonia is famous for many things, food, football and fabulous beaches being just some of the delights of this north-eastern region. Discover more about Catalonia's attractions and where to plan your Parador stays.
