Less than an hour’s drive from Córdoba, through the fertile valley of the Guadalquivir, lies the small farming town of Palma del Río and the delightful Monasterio de San Francisco Hotel, a 15th century converted monastery, which exudes peace and tranquillity. A wonderful serene atmosphere still prevails in the monastery and original features abound, with its shady cloisters, ecclesiastical courtyards and elegantly laid out gardens. Here, set amongst the orange groves and orchards, once tended by the monks, is a particularly delightful swimming pool, where guests can cool off after a day out exploring the great Moorish Cities. Many of the converted bedrooms were originally the monks’ cells and surround a charming patio.
The historic restaurant, where Franciscan monks once dined, before sailing off on their missions to the New World, offers excellent cuisine and fine wines.
Indoor city, Palma del Río is located in the west of the province of Cordoba, on the border with the province of Seville. It is 50 km of the provincial capital (40 minutes) and 80 km of Seville (1 hour). Palma del Río is nearly midway between both cities and is located at the privileged point where the two great Andalusian rivers –the Guadalquivir and the Genil- converge, enraptured by the smell of the town’s orange groves.
Palma del Río is one of the towns with the strongest bull fighting traditions in the province of Cordoba. Its fertile plains have been, and continue to be, a privileged setting for rearing “toros bravos” (fighting bulls). Near the town, is the Nature Reserve Sierra de Hornachuelos, declared Biosphere Reserve, ideal place to go trekking along an infinite number of country routes or to engage in many other environmental activities, which, coupled with the area’s thriving hunting tradition, make this park a unique destination with thousands of opportunities to enjoy nature.
The imposing Town Walls, one of the best preserved examples in Andalusia, contains most of the town’s important monuments, combining civil and religious architecture: the Parish Church of la Asunción, the Convent of Santa Clara, the Portocarrero Palace, Caballerizas Reales (Royal Stables) and Capilla de las Angustias Chapel. The entire structure has recently been declared a Monument of Cultural Interest.
In gastronomy, typical dishes include “gazpacho de habas secas” (dried bean gazpacho), mixed fried wild asparagus and game dishes. As desserts, thousands of dishes prepared with oranges as the star ingredient.
HOW TO ARRIVE
From Seville: From the airport, take the A-4/E-5 to Cordoba – Madrid,
until the exit La Campana, and take the SE-134 during 15 km.
At La Campana, take the SE-132 to Palma del Río. When you arrive in
the city, you will see the signs to arrive at the hotel Monasterio de San
Francisco***.
From Cordoba: You exit from Cordoba through Avenida de la República
Argentina, to Avenida de Medina Azahara. Take the route A-431 until to
arrive in Palma del Río. Take the Avenida de la Diputación and follow the
signs to arrive at the hotel Monasterio de San Francisco***