The Parador of Zafra is located on the "ruta de la plata" - which may be the oldest road in Europe. This is the way tin was brought from the mines in England and Galicia all the way down to where the Phoenician traders in Huelva and Cadiz would ship it to the markets in Egypt and Mesopotamia.

Seven hundred years ago, after being in the hands of the Romans, Zafra was controlled by one Lorenzo Suarez de Figueroa. He fortified the city by building a wall around it , and then built himself a citadel on top of (and using the stones from) a former Moorish alcazar (fortress) . This castle is now the Parador of Zafra.

Though the edifice is well fortified and austere on the outside, inside it is delicate and palatial. There is a two level arcade - each with three arches on three of its sides. You get the immediate feel of "Renaissance" as soon as you pass through the Parador Zafra's main door. The interior has beautiful coffered ceilings, fine iron-work railings. There and decorative details that still remain form the original palace including embellishments of marble and jasper. There is also a Gothic chapel with a wonderful octagonal cupola (dome). The best dishes of the region can be found in the classic dining room, such as lamb stew, 'migas extreme