Parador de Alcañiz

Spain – Aragon – Teruel – Alcañiz

Medieval convent-castle

3-star

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 Alcañizand 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.

The Parador, with its mixture of Gothic and Baroque styles, includes the old cloisters, a great dining hall and a secluded garden. 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 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).