If you are searching for a medieval experience on your
HOLIDAYS IN SPAIN, there are a number of places to choose from. All you need to do is a little investigating and then you are off. This area was once the base of power for the Moors and their medieval castles. Legends were created whether they are myth or fact it is hard to tell but do they exist. These legends were created during this period of history which started with the fall of the Roman Empire to the Moors who were defeated by the Christians. This all took place roughly in the fifth century to the fifteenth century. Proof of all this is found in the remains of walls and fortifications with Moorish names. The legends from this period are prolific which is exemplified in the weekend medieval fairs.
For a medieval weekend imagine a Spanish Castle from long ago, one that fairytales are made of. Now you are beginning to get the idea of which we speak. The one in mind is the 14th century castle of the Spanish King Enrique II which is located in the Castilian province of Salamanca in northern Spain. This is one of the special paradors operated by the Spanish Tourist Authority. The castle formed the defence perimeter for the quiet village of Ciudad Rodrigo. This walled city was obviously fit for a king.
Once you enter this castle you will feel as though you have been transported back in time especially with the waiters and waitresses dressed in full medieval regalia. You will be served by these winches at an unforgettable meal consisting of delicious roasted boar with all the side dishes and washed down with carats of local wine.
With 33 rooms to choose from you will begin to see how big the place actually is. The dining room is a good example of the opulence with its dark stained beamed ceiling, stained glass windows, stone arcades and beautiful views over not only the gardens but that of the village below. Even though this was an actual medieval castle it still has all the mod cons tucked away in the medieval furnishings. When you go to bed, with its curtained canopy at night, you will begin to wonder how many noblemen slept here before you. Have you ever tried to sleep in a museum? Its hard to close your eyes for even a minute. As you lay there waiting for sleep to overcome you, pictures of knights begin to cross your mind making it even harder to sleep; now you are looking forward to the sunrise.
There are a number of medieval castles where you can stay the weekend dreaming of a time long ago. This change of use for the castles was an edict of the Spanish government. It was to entice people to visit places yet to be discovered by the tourist crowds.
When you have made your decision as to the destination for your
HOLIDAYS IN SPAIN, contact the local tourism office in the area you have chosen. They will have a list of castles offering accommodations in the area. To enhance your stay even more they will also have a list of medieval markets and festivals taking place in the surrounding area. Just think a medieval market followed by a medieval festival and, after all this, you can sleep in a fairytale castle and dream of a time long ago.
