Official UK partner to the Paradors, Pousadas, Pestana Hotels & Resorts,
Teritoria, and European Hotels Collection. Keytours International,
formerly Keytel International, your agent in the UK.
16th century convent
The Parador de Santo Domingo (Bernardo de Fresneda) is situated south of Bilbao on the old pilgrims’ route to Santiago de Compostela and within easy reach of San Sebastian and Pamplona. Although not the original Parador of the town - the 4* Parador de Santo Domingo de la Calzada is located about 800m away - this Parador was converted and inaugurated early in the 21st century as a separate, smaller property, and is the ideal base from which to explore the beautiful landscapes of La Rioja wine region as well as the town itself.
The Parador is located in the hospice of a former convent built in the 16th century. It has 47 comfortable rooms, some with 4-poster beds, that combine deep shades with solid Castilian oak furniture and traditional stone wall, to create an atmosphere of pure history. Breakfast is served in the Parador, but there is no restaurant for lunch or evening dining. Guests can dine in the nearby Parador de Santo Domingo de la Calzada which is situated around 400m away. Less than half an hour away is the wine town of Haro, where many of the most celebrated Rioja wine names are established and there is a golf course only 4 km away. Its location on the 'Way of Saint James' or the 'Camino de Santiago' pilgrimage route, its design, and its unmistakable cultural value make it the ideal location to enjoy rural tourism, nature walks, wine tours and to enjoy Northern Spain at its best.
Occupied early on by the Goths, Celts, Romans and Moors, the town began to flourish when the Camino de Santiago, the St James' Way, became a regular route for pilgrims across the north of Spain. The first bridge over the river was built in 1044 to encourage trade and passage, and defensive works were carried out later in the 11th century. The name of the town is attributed to Saint Dominic, ''de la Calzada'' referring to the Roman road that passes through the region. In 1973, the old quarter was declared an area of artistic and historic interest, to be protected, and within this vicinity lie the Pilgrims' Hospital, the site of the first Parador de Santo Domingo de la Calzada. Later in the 21st century, the Parador Santo Domingo Bernardo de Fresneda was created and added to the network, given the demand for accommodation in the La Rioja region. The role of this Parador was initially a 'training Parador' for hospitality students - one of 2 Parador escuelas - before the Parador became fully incorporated into the network.
The town is well situated to visit the famous vineyards of the La Rioja region, a region that not only produces some of Spain's finest wines, but also exports large quantities of vegetables such as asparagus, peppers, artichokes, tomatoes and potatoes to British supermarkets. The town lays claim to many minor miracles and one major one, that of the cock and hen. A German family travelling to Santiago de Compostela were distraught to find their son accused of theft and hanged, following the accusation of a scorned local girl scorned. The parents continued their pilgrimage to Santiago but on their return they discovered that their son still lived, seemingly under the protection of Saint Dominic. They appealed to the local judge, who was at table at the time, and he vehemently denied that their son could survive the hanging. He declared that if it were true, the cock and hen cooked and served before him would rise up and sing, which they promptly did. You can still see today a cock and hen on display on the side of the original church, in reference to this tale.
Breakfast is served in the Parador from 8.00 to 10.30.
Lunch and dinner are available in its sister hotel, the Parador Santo Domingo de la Calzada, which is only 400m from the Parador. You can find information on restaurant hours and the types of dishes served here.
The Parador is in the historic centre of the city, in the Plaza de San Francisco, just 800 metres from the other Parador, Santo Domingo de la Calzada, next to the cathedral. Santo Domingo de la Calzada is 46 km. from Logroño and 68 km. from Burgos by the N-120 road, and 18 km. from Haro, via the A-68, towards Zaragoza-Bilbao/Bilbo.
The Parador shares parking with Parador de Santo Domingo de la Calzada. Outdoor parking with a barrier and garage parking both available for a daily charge.
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.
