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Camino de santiago hotelsLuxury five star hotel using a monastery which was originally founded in the twelfth century to provide 'lodging for the poor of Christ' making their pilgrimage to Santiago. The San Marcos Monastery, whose construction began in the 16th century, replaced another 12th century monastery from the times of King Alfonso VI. Different artists immortalised a yesterday where the strength of his legacy can be seen in stone and wood, making the hotel a living museum. The past emerges in the Cloister and Chapterhouse embracing the present with a learned renovation of large rooms. In days gone by these sheltered pilgrims. There are suites located in the original building with views of the square and also an annex constructed in the 20th century where the majority of the accommodation is housed. Regal halls, spacious rooms, a library and a restaurant which in the main part offers an impeccable traditional gastronomy with touches of signature cuisine; all of which makes the Parador de San Marcos a unique establishment on St. James’s Way and the Silver Way.
Parador Villafranca del Bierzo Villafranca del Bierzo is a beautiful village in the north of the province of Leon and the parador of Villafranca del Bierzo is a simple, no-frills, peaceful parador which has friendly staff and offers comfortable (not plush) accommodation and good food and wine for a very reasonable price. We have stayed here on several occasions overnight on our way to or from northern Spain from the south, and we have wholeheartedly enjoyed each visit. Villafranca del Bierzo parador is a relatively modern building and was one of the parador chain's first hotels. Villafranca del Bierzo is on the famous pilgrimage road to Santiago, and the village has several hostals for walkers and bikers doing the pilgrimage. Pazo Santa María The Pazo of Santa Maria is located in a 35,000 m estate close to the town of Arzúa. The Camino de Santiago north walk passes the boundary of the estate and the French walk is at about 1.500 metres distance. The Pazo is a noble building documently dated to the beginning of the 18th century. Restauration began in 2005 taking care and respect in the conservation of this historical heritage, and at the same time, incorporating all modern conveniences required by 21st century citizens. A peaceful and comfortable envirement has been created inside this magnificent building of thick stone walls and artistic ancient wooden beamed ceilings, combining traditional elements such as the “lareira", (a typical country house Galician fireplace) together with furnishings of these times. A well tended garden surrounds the building enhancing the beauty of the place. San Francisco's Monastery origins date back to 1214, when the Saint of Assisi and his companions made a pilgrimage to Santiago. Legend tells he was lodged in the house of a poor coal merchant called Cotolay next to the chapel of San Paio, on the slopes of Mount Pedroso, which can be clearly seen from some of the rooms. Every night Saint Francis went to this mountain to pray, and on one occasion he received a divine revelation to build a convent in the so-called Val de Dios. Gastronomy deserves a special mention in our Hotel. Cuisine is based on the preparation of traditional dishes which feed on excellent products from the sea and from our vegetable garden, with the finest presentation and service. Its wide and varied cellar makes the ideal complement to an offer which includes the best of the Galician cuisine. |
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