Photos courtesy of Parador de Zamora
Once the site of a former Moorish castle, the palace of Zamora was built in 1459 by Enrique Enríquez de Mendoza, the first count of Alba y Aliste and uncle of Ferdinand II of Aragón and Castile.
The building was heavily damaged during the comunero rebellion during the time of Carlos V. Rebuilt and embellished by the fourth count, it was converted to a hospice for elderly people in 1798.
Pamela’s Perspective
Known for its Romanesque architecture and Holy Week processions, Zamora is not visited by tourists as often as the more famous Spanish cities offering the same thing. Still, the city makes a good base for excursions around the region of Castilla y León and there are some delightful pedestrian streets to walk on.
Parking at the parador is limited, but off site parking is inexpensive.
Parador de Zamora
A 15th-century palace
Contact
Plaza de Viriato, 5
Zamora (Zamora)
Tel: ++34 980 51 44 97
Fax: ++34 980 53 00 63
Official parador website
Reserve with Booking.com
Fast facts
52 rooms
Double rooms: 85–190 euros
Single rooms: 80% of double
room rate
Rates include tax. Breakfast extra.
Free Wi-Fi
Open: all year
Getting there
Zamora is 62 km north of Salamanca on N-630. Buses and trains link Salamanca with Zamora. The parador is located in the center of the old city, 2 blocks from the Plaza Mayor.
What to do
On site: swimming pool
Nearby: walking tour of the old
city; Holy Week processions
Combining a feeling of austerity and splendor, this large stone structure opens onto an impressive cloistered courtyard surrounded by glass partitions.
A monumental stone staircase with Lombard carving leads up to glassed-in balconies. Beautiful antique furniture, tapestries, and carpets adorn the hallways and rooms. Old armor, chests, wood paneling, fireplaces, and potted plants complete the picture.
Guest rooms are roomy and comfortable; for an extra treat, try the suite that faces the square.
The dining room has a view of the swimming pool and the distant countryside. Its menu features roast kid and other Castilian specialties.
Something special
Pleasant views