Spain’s state-run network of historic and cultural hotels and restaurants, is set to open its 99^th establishment with Parador de Molina de Aragón, Guadalajara, in the central Spanish region of Castile La Mancha, by the end of 2024. The new addition will mark the 10th Parador in the region, reinforcing the network's commitment to helping travellers explore Spain while supporting its lesser-known, rural areas.  

Situated on a 26,000 square metre site in the upper area of the city, the all-new and contemporary-style Parador offers panoramic views of its emblematic Molina de los Caballeros walled fortress.  Designed in keeping with its historic surroundings, it incorporates stone as a principal material, connecting with the castle's walls and the traditional style of local architecture.

Spread across two floors, the Parador comprises 22 rooms, two suites, wellness facilities including a small spa, a reception and terrace area, café, and event venue space. In keeping with Paradores’ gastronomic tradition, there will also be a restaurant that celebrates the region’s culinary diversity serving local specialties such as roasted lamb and river trout.

The Parador, representing a €20 million investment, stands in alignment with Paradores' commitment to fostering responsible and sustainable tourism in Spain's less-explored regions. The project not only generates local economic development with the immediate creation of 22 jobs but also promises to enhance the economic vitality of surrounding communities. This is achieved by attracting more visitors to the area, thereby funnelling additional revenue into local businesses.

Located just two hours’ drive from Madrid, Molina de Aragón has a significant medieval history, influenced by Celtic, Moorish, and Christian cultures. It serves as an essential stop for walkers tracing the Way of El Cid, the legendary journey of Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar through Spain. Visitors can explore its Romanesque churches, Gothic convents, and historical quarters while the Alto Tajo Natural Park nearby offers hiking and birdwatching opportunities.

Parador Molina de Aragón’s strategic location offers British travellers a seamless journey from Madrid whilst also facilitating wider exploration of the region itself, with the chance to combine with stays at nearby Parador de Siguenza, a 12th-century Moorish castle, or Parador de Cuenca, a 16th-century convent. 

For updates on Parador de Molina de Aragón or to book a stay at any of Paradores existing 98 hotels, please visit https://paradores.es/en

Goya is considered the most important Spanish artist of the late 18^th and early 19^th centuries and is celebrated as both one of the last of the Old Masters and a forefather of modern art. His masterpieces include a portrait of Charles IV of Spain and his family (1800-1801), The Third of May (1808-1814), and the infamous Saturn Devouring His Son (1819-1823) which is part of the Black Paintings collection and displayed in the Prado Museum in Madrid.

Now in 2021, Aragón will celebrate his life with a programme of events that will take place in cities such as the capital, Zaragoza, and his hometown of Fuendetodos where visitors can pay a visit to his home which was declared a Historic National Monument in 1982.

Zaragoza, the capital of Aragón, will host the following exhibitions in honour of Goya:

Exhibition: Immersive project of Goya’s Black Paintings

Dates: June 2021 – August 2021

Location: Pablo Serrano Museum

Exhibition: Surrealist poetics

Dates: June 2021- September 2021

Location: Pablo Serrano Museum

Exhibition: Goya’s destroyed paintings in Fuendetodos

Dates: 7 October 2021 – 9 January 2022

Location: Sástago Palace

Exhibition: Goya, artist on the Grand Tour

Dates: December 2021 – March 2022

Location: Zaragoza Museum

The Zaragoza City Council will also be running a programme to celebrate the anniversary that will contain a series of cultural activities such as urban art exhibitions in the city centre with reinterpretations of Goya’s works created by young Aragonese artists and Goya figures put in place to be decorated by visitors as well as street theatre productions and other activities.

For foodies, the celebratory programme will also include the Goya Tapas Routes which has seen several establishments, selected based on criteria such as their proximity to prominent places linked to the artist and his legacy, offering set menus inspired by Goya and the era he thrived in.

Goya and his legacy as one of the greatest artists of all time have made the small village of Fuendetodos world famous. The village, which is around 50km from Zaragoza, contains the Engraving Museum, Zuluaga Hall and Goya’s birth home. This inconspicuous farm house where the great artist was born in 1746 now features three floors decorated with furniture and objects that transport visitors back to the 18th century and give them a glimpse into the early life of one of history’s most renowned artists.

More information on celebrating Goya in Aragón is available at www.turismodearagon.com/en/aragon/goya-en-aragon