Surrounded by beautiful gardens, the interior contains classical decorative elements such as rugs, forged lamps, coffered ceilings, wood and Castilian bricks. Its spectacular living rooms are duly equipped to promote their functional value as spaces for social gatherings. The dreamy bedrooms are comfortable, and the restaurant offers the region's gastronomic array; 'arroz a la zamorana' (Zamora-style rice), 'dos y pingada' (fried dish) and the sweet 'rebojo zamorano'. Nearby activities include fishing, golf, horse riding, hunting and trekking. The Parador is at the end of Paseo Ramon y Cajal, in the spot known as Jardines de la Mota. Located in the nerve centre of the town, the most common access route is the A-6 motorway Madrid-A Coruna, or else from Ourense, Vigo and Pontevedra along the N-630 main road. The seat of parliament in 1202, this Renaissance style castle was built by order of Fernando II de Leon and forms part of the former walled enclosure of the town. Practically razed to the ground in 1808 during the Peninsular War, it conserves the monumental Torre del Caracol, where there is a living room with an admirable Mudejar coffered ceiling.