After our string of four "one-night-stands", we are spending three nights at the Parador de Alcañiz, which is in the southern part of the Province of Aragon. What a treat it has been, staying in this storybook castle. This hotel is part of a collection of one hundred or so Paradores spread across Spain. They are situated in old castles, convents, monasteries, etc., and are supported by the Spanish government. Each one has a restaurant that features local ingredients. This is the only one we are staying in, but we can see how staying in Paradores while touring Spain would be quite a treat. Here is a link to the Paradores website...
http://www.parador.es/en
Parts of this Parador date to the 12th century, with many later additions and refinements. It sits high on a hill overlooking the small village of Alcañiz, and offers incredible views over the countryside. Here are some photos...
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| At night... |
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| The entrance arch... |
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| Main entrance... |
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| The courtyard, with 14th century Gothic tower... |
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| Looking out from the courtyard... |
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| Lamps to light the Queen's procession... |
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| A cloister... |
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| Sunset view from our room... |
The dining room and bar-cafe are fit for a Queen...
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| Royal dining room with large fireplace at one end... |
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| The bar-cafe is open 'til midnight... |
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This area of southern Aragon province remind us of the high plains of the western US. There are bluffs, mesas, rock outcroppings, etc. The scenery is spectacular...
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| Another long and winding road... through a rocky canyon... |
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| Olive trees... |
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| Olives and mesas... |
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| Part of a mountain reservoir... |
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| The soil has amazing natural colors... |
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| Spectacular scenery... |
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| Rosemary grows wild... |
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| Alcañiz sign surrounded by wild rosemary... |
Look carefully at this hillside... what do you see... ?
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| Here's a close-up.... |
Yes, the Queen has found her castle and realm, and is reigning over it. Hail the reigning Queen...
Click on or touch any photo to enlarge...
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