Since the earliest records of civilisation, libraries have been fundamental pillars of society. They are much more than just places where books are stored; they are custodians of knowledge, culture and human progress.

Libraries have played a vital role in preserving history, promoting education and facilitating access to information. From the famous Library of Alexandria in antiquity to the modern digital libraries of today, these spaces have evolved and adapted to technological and social changes. They serve not only as havens for study and research, but also as places for community and cultural encounters.

Every 24 October Libraries Day is celebrated to remember the importance of libraries as spaces for culture, learning and the exchange of ideas.

And speaking of libraries, the Paradors of Spain hhave managed to integrate these marvellous spaces of knowledge in unique settings. A perfect combination of culture and historic architecture. They not only offer a refuge for books, but also unique environments that inspire and educate. Each Parador, such as those in León, Corias, Costa da Morte, Cangas de Onís and Ávila, house libraries that are treasure houses of knowledge and architectural beauty.

Can you imagine spending an afternoon reading in a Parador while enjoying the surroundings?

The Quevedo Library at the Parador de León owes its name to one of the most influential writers of the Golden Age. Between 1639 and 1643, it was an outstanding study centre run by monks with a vast collection of religious treatises, travel books, moral essays and classical texts. Although much of this heritage disappeared with the disentailment of the 19th century, the library pays homage to its past as a documentary archive.

It currently exhibits two cantorales from the 17th and 18th centuries and has more than 500 books on art, gastronomy, culture and legislation, including works by Josefina Aldecoa, Julio Llamazares and Antonio Gamoneda. The library offers views of the interior of the church, allowing you to view the altarpiece by Juan de Peñalosa and the choir stalls. Today, you can enjoy reading on a three-metre long red leather Chester sofa.

The Parador de León has other corners to discover, such as its cloister, chapterhouse, lobby and a vast collection of artistic pieces that make it feel like a real museum.

BOOKING AT THE PARADOR DE LEÓN

The La Regenta library at the Parador de Corias houses the largest literary collection of Paradores. Since its opening in 2013, it has amassed nearly 7,000 copies donated by various entities, such as Fundación Mapfre, Siruela, Tusquets, Seix Barral, Anagrama, Random House Mondadori, Lunwerg Editores, Acción Cultural Española (AC/E) and Caja Rural de Asturias. These books were catalogued and shelved by volunteers from Cangas de Narcea.

The literary collection coexists with the work of the artist Rui Macedo, "Biblioteca de día", comprising 31 canvases on loan from ARS FUNDUM. This space combines art and literature in a Romanesque monastery that the Dominican community has guarded for 150 years.

Known as "The Escorial of Asturias", the Parador de Corias offers an incomparable natural setting on the banks of the Narcea River and "at the foot of a hundred mountains", as a popular song of the region says. Undoubtedly, a very special accommodation.

Don’t delay - stay at the Parador before January 2025 as it will be closed for renovation until 28 February 2025.

BOOKING AT THE PARADOR DE CORIAS

The Dulce María Prida library at the Parador de Cangas de Onís is the cultural epicentre of the Picos de Europa region. Named in honour of the writer and cultural dynamo, who for more than seven years promoted meetings in the Parador, and who learned a few hours before her death in February 2020 that the library would bear her name.

This space, considered by many to be the most peaceful place in the Parador, was formerly the library of the Benedictine monks of San Pedro de Villanueva. After the disentailment of Mendizábal in 1835, the monks abandoned the monastery and all the books and records disappeared. Dating back to the 8th century and built by order of Alfonso I, third king of Asturias, the Parador is one of the oldest monasteries in Asturias. The 13th century Romanesque church and its idyllic natural surroundings complete this National Monument with 1,200 years of history.

BOOKING AT THE PARADOR IN CANGAS DE ONIS

The Parador de Ávila, a Renaissance palace in the heart of the city, was once home to an impressive library. In the 19th century, the 9th Marquis of Benavites had a tower built, now converted into two cosy rooms, to house his literary collection. He brought together a large collection of popular and bullfighting themes, creating a small ethnographic museum that opened its doors to the curious and studious of the time.

Although today the Parador does not have a library as such, its many nooks and crannies are perfect for reading. Its garden, with open-air sculptures such as sarcophagi, a 4th century B.C. boar and baptismal fonts, offers views of the walls and an ideal setting for enjoying a good book.

A place that blends history, culture and tranquillity in an exceptional setting.

BOOKING AT THE PARADOR DE ÁVILA

The libraries of the Paradors are fed not only by history, but also by modernity. The Parador de Costa da Morte, located next to the beach of Lourido, stands out for its architecture integrated with the natural environment and its interiors featuring glass and wood.

In its large library, an open space in the immense hall, you can enjoy views of the sea and more than 300 volumes encompassing poetry, novels, essays and contemporary Galician art. This Parador also highlights local culture, not only through its books, but also with a collection of sculptures and photographs of the region.

It is a perfect place to relax, enjoy the surroundings and immerse yourself in literature.

Don’t delay: stay at the Parador before January 2025 as it will be closed for renovation until 31 March 2025.

BOOKING AT THE PARADOR DE COSTA DA MORTE