Parador de Santo Domingo de la Calzada

This is a four star Parador (Spanish state-owned hotel) and it is located in a building from which you can almost touch the walls of the majestic cathedral. It was built in the 11th century as a hospital for the pilgrims of the Road to Santiago by the very Saint that gives his name to the place.

In 1965 it was rehabilitated as a Parador de Turismo, but it still preserves the main entrance and some of the windows of the 13th century.

It has a hall and a large living room on the lower floor that is full of Gothic arches and has a lovely coffered ceiling.

By the way, the network of "Paradores" has changed the bathroom amenities and they now smell like chewing-gum!

I was not lucky enough to stay at this extraordinary Parador with an unbeatable location (like always), on the very square of the Cathedral of Santo Domingo de la Calzada, but I did go to the fabulous restaurant.

Everyone knows that the gastronomy in Paradores is always excellent and here, in La Rioja, it could not be otherwise. As usual, it had an excellent level and variety. They serve local and typical dishes (asparagus, lamb chops "al sarmiento", potatoes "a la riojana") as well as other special things in a very nice environment. I highly recommend it.