walking into the Parador
This is the lovliest hotel we have ever stayed in. It was once a Moorish palace within the Alhambra and was converted to a Franciscan monastery later on. It also served as a hospital in war time. Now it is a beautiful hotel in an exquisite setting.
gardens at the entrance
the internal courtyard
our beautiful room
the bathroom
the view from our balcony
Beside the reception is the quiet courtyard where King Ferdinand and Queen Isabel chose to be buried when it was still a quiet monastery. Their grandson later moved their bodies to the Royal Chapel.
the burial site of Ferdinand and Isabel
the first graves of Ferdinand and Isabel
Isabel was buried here on December 18 1504 after stating in October that it was her wish to be buried in this modest monastery. On February 6 in 1518 she was joined by Ferdinand. They were moved on November 10, 1521.
There are beautiful quiet places all over the hotel to sit and read or just enjoy this gorgeous place. One of my favourites was the Nazari room. It was a room from the former Arab palace.
the Nazari room
inside this beautiful room
looking out into the courtyard
There are beautiful and interesting art pieces and furniture all over the hotel. It is a delight to wander about the halls and stairways.
in the passage near our room
a lovely old chair
St Francis of Assisi
a portrait of Isabel
The gardens surrounding the hotel are stunning. We spent as much time as we could strolling through the gorgeous spring gardens.
part of the garden of the parador
wandering in the garden
looking up towards our room
Alhambra rose
the outdoor terrace of the restaurant
It is hard to believe that these buildings were in ruins for years. Animals were kept in the derelict rooms of the old palaces.
partially restored ruins
animal were kept in the old rooms
The parador has been beautifully restored and it was an absolute delight to stay there. The staff at the hotel were friendly and helpful and had great local knowledge. Being inside the Alhambra was wonderful – the perfect base from which to explore this incredible place. Our first explorations will be the subject of tomorrow’s post.
leaving through the courtyard
I hope we can go back one day.