The 2 previous Paradors I wrote about were places where we stayed. Now, preparing to revisit Spain, I resolved to investigate new ones.
And this picture helped do just that! The 10th C. Castle was a typical fortress preserving the original Morrish elements throughout. The interior denotes the “changing of the guard” and incorporated the décor of its successors into its structure.
The Church in the foreground was begun in the 11 th C. and finished over two hundred years later. Beyond the Church sits the Ebro River and the initial reason for the fortress: it guarded the single bridge that connected this area to the sea in the 10th C.
When Tortosa became a Parador, it modernized to lure the paying customers. The internal is beautiful- you will see- but the pool with the marvelous view really got my attention.
(But be sure you know ahead of time what the date is for the pool being heated.)
A different view of the protected village below, and the massive power of the fortress embracing it.
Tortosa at dusk encouraging clients to hurry back for dinner with a cocktail by the fireplace.
(Bedtime at the Parador) These suites look beautiful- and the doors out to the balcony encourage a sunset view over the river Ebro below and the vast mountains beyond: Cardó Massiff.
All the Paradors serve excellent breakfast. You can order from the wait staff and/or help yourself to fresh fruits and juices from the buffet. The room was enchanting with its original arches and windows kept from much earlier times.
In California we revere the ancient sites- but we have nothing like the Paradors!
My mind was made up about the Parador Tortosa.
2Independent-Travelers 