The Parador of Monforte de Lemos

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Today the Monastery of San Vicente is a luxury hotel, the Parador of Monforte de Lemos. It is surrounded by the remains of the Castle of Monforte, and the Ducal Palace. The complex of buildings, including a Church, is on top of a hill overlooking the town.

The Monastery of San Vicente was established in the 10C but today’s building is from the 16C. A central Cloister, with a well over a cistern, is a dominant feature of the building. The Cloister’s upper floors are the hotel rooms, with seating areas and sitting areas. It is quiet and very comfortable indeed – a marvellous retreat after a day’s sightseeing.

Parador of Monforte de Lemos
The former Monastery of San Vicente
Parador of Monforte de Lemos - the cloister and cistern
Central Cloister in the Monastery
Inside the Parador of Monforte de Lemos
Stairs to the second floor & upper cloister
In the upper cloister of the Parador of Monforte de Lemos
In the Upper Cloister of the Parador of Monforte de Lemos
Parador of Monforte de Lemos
A quiet corner in the Upper Cloister of the Parador

The Castle of the 13C/14C with its Tower of Homage was built to defend the town but also was a residence for the Dukes.

Castle of Monforte de Lemos
Tower of Homenaje and Castle Walls
Castle of Monforte de Lemos
Tower of Homenaje
Old gateway into the Castle

The Church

The Church of the Monastery was locked while we were there but I believe it is interesting. Oddly the Parador did not have a key.

Church of the Monastery of San Vicente
Church of the Monastery

The Ducal Palace

The Counts of Lemos were the ruling family in Monforte de Lemos, and one of the most important families in Spain. The Palace was originally built in the 15C but destroyed by a fire and rebuilt in the 17C. Today it is part of the Parador. The 7th Count was Viceroy of Naples and it is his collection which is housed in the Museum of the Clarissas, the Museum of Sacred Art, in the town.

Ducal Palace in Monforte de Lemos

Parador of Monforte de Lemos

Parador of Monforte de Lemos
The Parador of Monforte de Lemos with the Shrine below the walls

The Parador of Monforte de Lemos is a wonderfully atmospheric and comfortable hotel on top of a hill, overlooking the countryside – do stay if you are in the area.

Further information
Spanish Heritage network

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