Parador de Mérida

The convent over the Temple of Concord

The Parador de Mérida is at Calle Almendralejo 58, in the centre, over the old Roman praetorium and the ruins of the temple dedicated to the Concord of Augustus. The building is the Convent of Jesús, built in 1725 to meet the need for convents and hospitals in a time of epidemics and wars with Portugal: classicist Baroque, topped by two bell gables. It was one of the first paradores in the network.

Inside it keeps a cloister with Roman columns and the old chapel, which is now the main lounge. In the convent's former orchard is the Garden of Antiquities, with Roman, Visigothic and Mudéjar archaeological pieces among fountains, ponds and lots of greenery; that is where the restaurant puts its terrace.

Within walking distance of everything

From the door you reach Plaza de España in two minutes and the main Roman monuments in about ten on foot, including the theatre and amphitheatre. The Temple of Diana is even closer. The train station is a quarter of an hour's walk. By road, the parador is about 60 km from Badajoz, 70 from Cáceres and 200 from Seville.

The parador has its own car park for cars and coaches. The website only says it is given free to those booking events, subject to availability; if you are going to stay with a car, ask when booking whether there is space and how much it costs.

Rooms, pool and breakfast

There are three room types: standard double, superior double and suite. Services include the outdoor pool, gym, sauna and solarium, wifi and electric car charging points.

Breakfast is served from 7:30 to 11:00 on weekdays and from 8:00 to 11:30 on Saturdays and Sundays. The café is open from 11:00 to 24:00. The parador restaurant serves lunch from 13:30 to 16:00 and dinner from 20:30 to 23:00 every day, and in the same building is La Alacena del Foro, a gastronomic space with a more informal menu.

The website does not detail this parador's pet policy or check-in and check-out times: ask on 924 313 800 or at [email protected].