Parador de Alarcon - hotel in an 8th century castle/fortress in Alarcon, Cuenca, Castilla y La Mancha, Spain

Hotels in Cuenca Paradores of Castilla y La Mancha

Parador de Alarcón

Avda. Amigos de los Castillos, 3
Alarcón, 16213, Cuenca
Castilla y La Mancha
Spain

Medieval arab fortress

This authentic 8th Century fortress is situated on a promontory above the meandering river Júcar, on the Manchego-Levantinas border. The hotel occupies the medieval castle of the Marqueses de Villena, which is over 13 centuries old.

It was founded by the Muslims in the 8th Century and then taken over by King Alfonso VIII in the 12th Century. It was the home of distinguished writer, Don Juan Manuel and has experienced many sieges and revolts. The grandeur of the Parador can be witnessed in the Torre del Homenaje (Tower of Homage) both in its battlements and interior.

The hotel was redecorated in 2003 following some construction work on the entire hotel. It emphasised the fortress’s strength and austerity, removing the wall coverings and creating an appearance more in line with the original building.

Magnificent oak and a mixture of modern and classical styles have transformed this Parador into a new building. The fabrics used within bring out its medieval character; the reds and oranges contrast with the austerity of the space and serve as a backdrop for its genuine art collection.

The castle, formerly owned by the Marqueses de Villena, displays works by Tapies, Redondela, Sempere, Amadeo Gabino, A lvaro Delgado, Martínez Novillo and Menchu Gal, and sends its paintings to the famous Abstract Art Museum in Cuenca. It is a peaceful haven on the Castile plateau.

Specialities and traditional dishes

The Parador de Alarcón cuisine is based on the famous ‘conquenese’ cuisine comprising pickled partridge, duck and game pâtés, and Manchegan ingredients such as Morteruelo (hot meat pâté), Zarajos (fried lamb’s intestines) and Pisto Manchego (marrow with onion and tomato). Cod dishes such as Tiznao (salt-cured cod with vegetables), Cod a la Manchega or the famous Ajo Mortero (garlic mashed potatoes).

The desserts include recipes handed down from Arab times such as Suspiros de Alarcón (sweet almond sauces), El Alajú (sweet almond pastry), the renowned cheeses of the La Mancha region and sweet Conquese drinks like resoli (coffee liqueur).

Manchegan farmland and vineyards. At the Parador de Alarcón you can sample the magnificent wines, which are of excellent quality and price. The red wines are particularly good made from garnachas, cencibel, moravia and merlot grapes.

Bedrooms - Total Rooms: 14

Double Rooms (double beds): 10
Places: 28
Telephone in bedrooms
Television
Twin Rooms: 4

Unique Room: Infante Don Juan Manuel (106)
Located at the top of the Castle Keep, room 106 is dedicated to Infante Don Juan Manuel (nephew of King Alfono X El Sabio). The bedroom stands out thanks to its ceiling and Roman vault running from the floor which gives the room a magical medieval fortress feel. The most individual feature making it a Unique Room is the private access to the old lower Watchtower with the unbeatable views this charming hotel provides its guests.

General Services:

Air Conditioning
Bar
Bureau de Change
Credit Cards
Distance to Airport: 132 km.
Distance to Port: 175 km.
Distance to Train Station: 86 km

Garden
Heating
No animals allowed
Parking (without security, limited places)
Restaurant
Satellite Dish

Local Festivals

Buenache de Alarcón.
Ferias (Festivals): 8th September, Albacete (90 km.)
Fiestas del Cristo (Christ Festivals): 15th September.
Fiestas patronales (Patron Saint Festivals): San Sebastián. 19th January.
Moros y Cristianos (Moors and Christians): 8th January, Valverde de Júcar (40 km.)
Semana Santa (Holy Week): Cuenca, a 85 km.