World Heritage Cities in Spain

WORLD HERITAGE CITIES

CÓRDOBA The city's Parador Hotel stands over what used to be the ruins of the sum- mer palace belonging to Abd al-Rah- man I, the first independent emir of Córdoba. It is an elegant building with magnificent views of the city and has a delightful garden. The interior consists of bright, spacious rooms, decorated simply and in good taste. CUENCA The hotel occupies what used to be a convent with an extraordinary loca- tion overlooking a bend in the Huécar River, with views of the magical Casas Colgadas or Hanging Houses. There is a delightful, glass-enclosed cloister and the former chapel, now a cosy café. It also features a swimming pool and there are incredible panoramic views of the city from the superior rooms.

MÉRIDA The hotel is an old, 18th century con- vent, built over the remains of a temple dedicated to the Concord of Augustus. Here you'll find a perfect combination of tradition, comfort and good service. Within the beautiful interior cloister a Garden of Antiquities has been creat- ed, an archaeological complex consist- ing of Mudejar, Roman and Visigoth elements.   SALAMANCA The Salamanca Parador Hotel stands on a hillock facing the monumental town centre. There are panoramic views over the city from the lounges, a swimming pool and most of the rooms are simply some of the best in the city. After spending the day stroll- ing around the streets and visiting mu- seums, there's nothing like just coming back here and enjoying the sunset. It stands in the Plaza del Obradoiro and is regarded as one of the oldest hotels in the world. It started out as the Royal Hospital in 1499 and was used as lodgings for pilgrims on their way to Santiago. In the interior a ho- tel-museum awaits you with four de- lightful cloisters, spectacular rooms and a luxurious dining room. SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

a a CUENCA PARADOR HOTEL

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