The Parador Argomaniz is located 12 km from Vitoria/Gasteiz - approximately midway between Bilbao and Pamplona. This noble stone building was formerly the Larrea palace - whose family coat-of-arms is emblazoned prominently above the main entrance door. Parador Argomaniz is a rare find. It is a perfectly preserved 17th century palace. It has a somewhat plain exterior, but its interior is a delight. The entrance is framed by majestic stone columns. This leads you to an interior that is decorated with various Renaissance ornaments. The bedrooms contain antique wooden chests and furniture and fine polished wooden floors.

All the public rooms are tastefully done. There are many cozy "sitting nooks" with nice views out to the countryside. Perfect places for sitting with a good book and a cup of coffee. This is a splendid Renaissance palace in all respects and the perfect place to stop if you are traveling through this part of Spain.

An interesting historical note - and one you can contemplate during your stay: Napoleon stayed here for a time while he regained his strength before attacking the town of Vitoria.

The Parador of Argomaniz dominates the surrounding natural beauty of the Plains of