One of the reasons this mighty fortress that is the Parador of Cardona (official name is Parador Duques De Cardona) was built was to protect the largest deposit of salt in Europe - La Salina, the Mountain of Salt. These salt deposits go so deep into the earth that the ancient Romans who excavated them thought that the the salt "grew" from the depths of the earth - ever replenishing whatever they took away. It is estimated there is still 500 billion tons of salt remaining!Located in Catalonia about 60 miles northwest of Barcelona, Parador Cardona began as a fortress started at the order of Louis of Aquitaine around 798. It rises far above the town below and the views from the top of the old Minyona Tower (and many of the rooms) are magnificent. There is a sad, but interesting legend associated with the tower. In the 11th century, a daughter of the Viscount that resided there fell in love with a Moorish governor of a nearby area. The Viscount refused to allow such a relationship and had his daughter locked up in the tower. She stubbornly held to her demands to love whom she would, and after several lonely years, died in the tower. Some say her ghost still haunts the Parador - particularly room 712. During the restoration that made this a Parador, it is said a dog sat in front of that room and barked without ceasing for over a month!
Another historical note of interest: At Parador Cardona died a man named Ramon Nonato - Nonato meaning "un-born." He was delivered by cesarean section after his mother died in childbirth, and in those days this was still considered a miracle. Later sainted, he has become the patron saint of women who are expecting. On his feast day, August 31st, pregnant women from all over come in a sort of pilgrimage to his shrine which is located on the road to Berga.
