The monumental Parador Alcaniz (official name is Parador La Concordia) is located just inside the border of Aragon across form Catalunya. It is built high up on top of a hill that looks out over the countryside and town below.The Alcaniz Parador was built in 12th century as a castle/convent and became the headquarters of the Order of Calatrava - a group of monks trained in war (?!) - whose responsibility was to form a protective garrison for the populace in the surrounding countryside.
The conversion into a first class, castle hotel was accomplished with the usual grand style of the Parador system. Parts of the Gothic walls and baroque facade have been left pretty much untouched. Be sure and dine in the hotel restaurant - the views are as outstanding as the cuisine.
