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

King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia will inaugurate the gallery at the opening ceremony on June 28th. 

Madrid boasts several world-renowned galleries, such as the Prado Museum, the Thyssen-Bornemisza, and the Reina Sofía. However, next month, Spain is poised to unveil one of Europe's most anticipated cultural highlights of the year: The Royal Collections Gallery in Madrid.

The new museum will showcase a remarkable assortment of paintings, tapestries, sculptures, decorative art pieces,  and royal furniture accumulated by Spanish monarchs over a span of five centuries, over the Hapsburg and Bourbon dynasties of the empire. Spain's Royal Collections are not the property of the crown but rather belong to the public, owing to a historical turn of events nearly a century ago. Presently, Patrimonio Nacional oversees palaces, monasteries, convents, and royal gardens across the country.

The exhibition will present 650 selected pieces out of the vast collection of over 150,000 artworks managed by Patrimonio Nacional. These works include contributions from artists including Velázquez, Goya, Caravaggio, Titian, and Tintoretto. Furthermore, the exhibition will feature a selection of the finest tapestries in the world, along with ancient carriages and royal furniture. Each year, approximately one-third of the exhibited works will be replaced with new exhibitions.

More information here

These shows scheduled for the 2021 season are inspired by historical events and legendary figures from Spanish folklore. Expect dazzling special effects, jaw-dropping stunts, and incredible sets that transport the whole family to a fairy-tale world. Each of the daytime shows lasts around 30 minutes, with several performances a day. The programme is adapted on a day-to-day basis according to the number of visitors for that day so that everyone can enjoy the entertainment without long, tedious queues and in a safe manner.

Visitors will also be able to enjoy four period towns to delve further into the history of this part of Castilla - La Mancha. At sunset, the main event begins on the largest stage in Spain. ‘El Sueño de Toledo’ is a 70-minute night show that transport spectators through more than 1,500 years of Spanish history.

Practical Information

Puy du Fou is located just eight minutes by car from the historic town of Toledo and 55 minute from Madrid.

Tickets are available via the website www.puydufou.com

Entrance to Puy du Fou is priced from €27 per person and the addition of the night show ‘El Sueño de Toledo’ is priced from €24 per person.

Information on opening dates for planning later in the year is available here.