Parador Ubeda

Hotel Condestable Davalos

This Parador was originally the palace of Dom Fernando Ortego Salido, the Dean of Malaga, more usually known a Dean Ortego.

The Parador is in the old area of the town of Ubeda. It is in the towns' most artistic renaissance square and next to some of the most beautiful buildings in the area,

The palace was altered and renovated in the 17th century and opened as a Parador in 1930. Major restoration has been carried out by the group in 1942 and again in 1947.

The Parador is named after Ruy Lopez de Davalos, a soldier who was taken by the Moors and, after a period of captivity was allowed to return home. He was a member of the Court of Juan II who gave him the title of "Condestable" which translates as High Constable. His portrait hangs over the fireplace in the restaurant.

The exterior facade gives no indication of the very beautiful inner courtyard with a double gallery of which the upper part is glazed and has the guest bedrooms leading off. This area is reached by a very grand staircase from the reception floor.

The friendly and comfortable bedrooms are large with decorated tiles on the floor and antique furniture. Six of the bedrooms and the suite look onto the Plaza de Vasquez of which the palace forms one side.

The other buildings in the square are the sixteenth century Church of El Salvador, the 17th century Church of Santa Maria, the Palacio Vazquez de Molina and the Palacio de El Marques.

The dining room is furnished in typical Andalusian style and serves both international, Spanish and regional dishes. There is also a special menu for those requiring a gluten free diet. The local dishes include:
"Ajo blanco", a cold soup for garlic lovers;
"Pimentos rellenos de perdiz" which are peppers stuffed with partridge;
"Cabrito estofado con pinones" being a stew of kid with pine kernels;
"Morclilla en caldera" which is a local sausage;

Leading off the square is Calle Valencia which is a street where many craftsmen have their studios and where it is possible to purchase their handicrafts.

Nearby is the town of Baeza which, along with Ubeda, was given the title of Exemplary City during the Year of Architecture in 1975. Since this area was one of the first to be regained from the Moors by catholic Spain, the architecture is based on the Italian renaissance period rather than Arab culture.

The main festival in Ubeda celebrates San Miguel and is held each year from 28 September to 4 October. In late May and early June there is an International Music and Dance Festival.

While in the area, a visit to the Cazorla Natural Park is suggested which is especially attractive when the leaves change colour in the autumn and for the mountain scenery.

Another place to visit is the Graja Caves in the village of Jimena to look at the interesting prehistoric paintings.

This Parador has twenty two twin bedded rooms, thirteen rooms with double beds and one suite.

All the rooms have a private bathroom, satellite television, TV canal plus, safe and a mini bar.

The hotel is air conditioned, has central heating, currency exchange, satellite television, telephone, free wireless internet, restaurant and bar.

Distance from the nearest airport is approximately 154 kms and the nearest train station is 20 kms away.

Pets are not allowed.