Parador de Santo Estevo

According to ancient tradition, Santo Estevo was founded in the 6th century by San Martín Dumiense, although its existence is documented from the 10th century. The monastery's documented history begins with the privilege of Ordoño II, issued on October 12, 921, when the king donated to Abbot Franquila the ruined and abandoned territory of San Esteban to build a basilica and monastery. Franquila governed a community of hermits and decided to restore monastic life at San Esteban. The site housed a Benedictine monastery that was put on the medieval religious map in the 10th century. Nine bishops, having taken vows of poverty, came to live their final days at the monastery, and their bodies are buried in the chapel. The building was declared a Historic-Artistic Monument in 1923. The structure fell into disuse until 2004, when it reopened as a Parador with modern amenities added.

The monastery was built between the 12th and 18th centuries. Various styles alternate in this monastery from Romanesque to Baroque, with the three cloisters standing out: Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance. It is easy to distinguish elements of Baroque and Romanesque styles, and the building has three incredible cloisters representing three different eras of Spanish architectural history. The 77 rooms are distributed in the three cloisters of different styles and periods, standing out especially because all are different.

The Parador de Santo Estevo offers an unparalleled panoramic view of the Sil River canyon and is surrounded by chestnut, oak and pine forests. The setting is perfect for nature lovers and hikers. The area is enriched by Europe's largest concentration of Romanesque buildings. The Ribeira Sacra is famous for its heroic vineyards cultivated on practically vertical terraces over the Sil canyons, a mountain viticulture unique in the world.