Parador de Plasencia

Spain – Estremadura – Cáceres – Plasencia

Medieval convent

4-star

The historic walled city of Plasencia, between Salamanca and Caceres, was founded in 1186 by King Alfonso VIII of Castile, and the walls, built shortly afterwards, include seventy towers and eight gates. Work began on the cathedral around this time, and continued until the 18th century, resulting in an intriguing mixture of styles. Also of note is the Plaza Mayor, the market square, the focal point of the city and the location of Tuesday markets for the last eight hundred years. The Parador de Plasencia, which is in the heart of the old quarter of the city, occupies a former convent dating back to the 15th century, and the building features both Gothic and Renaissance elements. The interior has an arcaded courtyard, vaulted and coffered ceilings, and a remarkable freestanding staircase. The Parador has a gym and a seasonal swimming pool, plus facilities for the disabled. In the impressively decorated restaurant – originally the refectory - guests will enjoy sampling such regional specialities as Sopa de patatas (potato soup), Lomitos de cordero (lamb roasted in honey) and Compota de higos de La Vera (local figs stewed in syrup).

There is garage parking at this Parador.