MEDIEVAL ARAB FORTRESS
This castle of S. VIII, authentic medieval
fortress, is based in a meander of the Júcar river, on a promontory in you are
contiguous manchego-levantinas.
The architecture of the Parador, which occupies the medieval castle of the
Marquises of Villena, is the result of more than three centuries of history.
Founded by the Muslims in the 8th century, it was captured by King Alfonso VIII
in the 12th century. Inhabited by the notable man of literature Don Juan Manuel,
it has been the scene of sieges and revolts.
The monumentalidad of the Inn is appraised in the Tower of the Tribute, the
battlements and the interior.
The Parador reopened its doors to the public on 15 June, after 8 months of
works. Emphasis has been placed on the severity and sobriety of the building,
eliminating paneling and offering an image which shows greater respect for the
original building.
Regal oak wood and a mix of modern and classic have made this a new Parador,
where the fabrics accentuate its medieval character. The use of reds and oranges
contrasts with the sobriety of the space, and serves to frame a true collection
of paintings which echoes the famous museum of abstract art in Cuenca. Tapies,
Redondela, Sempere, Amadeo Gabino, Alvaro Delgado, Martínez Novillo and Menchu
Gal are just some of the painters whose work decorates the former Castle of the
Marquises of Villena, a peaceful refuge on the Castilian plateau.