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Monday Morning Photo - Palacio de la Merced, Cordoba

Once one of the most important buildings in Córdoba, Palacio de la Merced was founded in XIII century as a  Mercedarian monastery. When the order was dissolved it became an orphanage then in the 1970s a Provincial Government seat. The Baroque portal is in the middle of the enormous frontage, the cloisters and monastery church remain and services are still held there today. Palacio de la Merced See the Monday Morning Photo list. Where to Stay in Córdoba city? See my choices in my Only Spain Boutique Hotel collection -  Casas de la Juderia Hotel Balcon de Córdoba Hotel Viento 10 What else to see? Check out my Córdoba - Lots to See and Do post on Luxury Spain Travel.

Paradors of Andalucia With Wonderful Views in Classic Buildings

Top Two in my Top Five Paradors of Andalucia

The first Parador I saw spoilt me forever. Dimly-lit corridors, suits of armour lurking in cornices and a ginormous 40 metre high vaulted ceiling with comfy sofas and log fires, I wanted to move in.








No other Parador I´ve seen (so far) comes near and the modern ones don´t even enter the equation.

My first experience? The Parador de Santa Catalina in Jaén, a reconstruction of an Arabic fortress, next to the ruins of a castle. Also the walkway along the narrow hill of Santa Catalina with three-way views and a huge white cross at the end marking the winning of another strategic post, by The Catholic Kings, from the Moors, is magnificent.



I visited some awful low-built modern blocks and then found The Parador de Ronda, another fall-in-love-with setting but less exciting building, which comes second in my Top Five Paradors in Andalucia list.


You can imagine the views from being perched atop the rocky outcrop, another breathtaking moment of sheer sighs.

To be continued.... next three in top five.

Carmona
Granada
Úbeda

But in what order?

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