The castle was originally built as a place of lodging, rest and general enjoyment for King Felipe III by Francisco Gomez de Sandoval y Rojas, the first Duke of Lerma.

The building has a central courtyard surrounded by two columned arcades. The first has 20 Tuscan columns with semi-circular arches while the second has 20 Ionic columns.

The palace has been restored and converted into a Parador for 133 guests.

The Parador's cuisine is centred on typical regional products such as suckling lamb, quail and partridge.

There is hare during hunting season while other typical fare includes the traditional cocido (chickpea stew) of Castile, the hearty 'olla podrida' stew and medieval style lentils.

For dessert, try the 'Emes' cookies, San Blas roscas, the mostachones cookies, or the wide variety of cakes and sweets made by the nuns of the order of St. Clare in the city's convent.

22 kms away from Lerma is Covarrubias, where one can visit the Collegiate Church of San Cosme y San Damian (15th century), the Church of Santo Tomas (12th c.), and the squares of Dona Urraca and Dona Sancha.

A little further is the 18th -century Monastery of Santo Domingo de Silos, where you can hear the Gregorian chants sung by the monastery's monks. The nearby gorge of La Yecla is also worth the visit.

August is the month when everything happens in the region. The Baroque festival features, among other things, a two organ concert at the Collegiate church performed on instruments dating from the year 1615.

As part of this festival, there is a 17th century theatrical performance in the Plaza Mayor, as well as related conferences and exhibitions. Other local medieval celebrations take place throughout the month.

The accommodation in this hotel of the Paradors group is in thirty seven twin bedrooms, twenty three double bedrooms, two suites, one duplex and seven single bedrooms. All bedrooms have telephone, television, in-room safe, minibar.

There is also a garage, facilities for meetings and conventions, bar, restaurant, internet access, heating and air conditioning.

The 18 hole Lerma golf course is only 5 kilometres from the Parador.

From 1 to 10 September the town of Lerma holds its local festa or party. This includes fairground rides, music and much merriment which can be heard in the immediate vicinity of the Parador. During this period the Parador cannot guarantee the usual peace and quiet.

Pets are not allowed in the luxury hotels in the Spanish Paradores group.

Parador hotel of Lerma is in a ducal palace overlooking the town of Lerma.

• 7 Single bedrooms
• 37 Twin bedrooms
• 23 Double bedrooms
• 2 Suites
• 1 Duplex
• Bar
• Restaurant
• Telephone
• Heating
• Air Conditioning
• Television
• Internet access in common areas
• Minibar
• Safe
• Currency exchange
• Golf (3 kms)
• Conference Facilities
• Facilities for the disabled
• Airport: 200 kms
• Train: 36 kms
• Port: 185 kms
• Map with location
• Parador Lerma comments