The Monastery of Santa Maria de El Paular

Less than a mile from the house is the ancient Monastery of El Paular - a beautiful and serene monastery that has not changed in hundreds of years.

One half of it remains a working monastery, while the other half was converted into a Parador Hotel, now a Sheraton, where you can drink an aperitif in the old monastic courtyard (with stunning fountain in the middle)....there are few places in Spain that offer such an atmospheric setting for a refreshment and some tapas.

The monastery began to be built in 1390 but it took another five centuries for its completion.

Originally inhabited by Cartusian monks, the monastery enjoyed rare royal privilege which helped tremendously the economical situation of the surrounding area.

In its heyday the monks looked after Merino sheep and produced ceramics, glass and paper - from which the first edition of El Quijote was made.

Visiting times: Monday to Saturday 13 and 1700, except Thursdays. Sundays and Bank Holidays, 13, 18, and 2000.