Many hotels claim to be steeped in history. But few can boast about its building’s architectural heritage, such as Caro Hotel, a luxury boutique bolthole in the centre of Valencia’s Old Town. The fact that this hotel’s structure integrates sections of Valencia’s 12th-century Arab wall and arches makes it a rarity, not to mention a collection of artefacts found at the site dating back to Roman times.
The building was once the Palace of the Marqués de Caro and is listed as a protected 20th-century building by the City of Valencia. When a descendant of the Marquis made plans to turn the dilapidated building into a hotel, they didn’t expect to unearth an astounding wealth of archaeological remains: mosaics from the 1st century BC; column bases from the city’s Roman Circus; 18th-century tiles, Gothic arches and coffered ceilings.
The monumental task and challenge of preserving archaeological elements while incorporating them with the hotel’s contemporary interior fell into the able hands of architect Francisco Jurado and interior designer Francesc Rifé. What they have achieved is remarkable, respectfully bringing ancient architectural features into the limelight through sympathetic restoration. The decision to use minimalist design, modern shapes and neutral tones was not meant to distract, but to highlight the beauty of the historic elements.
Upon entering the hotel, I was immediately drawn to the stone and brick wall and arch that graced the lobby, while remnants of stone pillars adorned the walls behind the bar. A section of a cornice from the Roman Circus, dating to the 2nd century AD, is also on display in the lobby. Elsewhere, sections of the Arab wall appear in several of the 26 individually designed bedrooms, their configuration dictated by the building’s historic backbone. Each bedroom is aptly named after rooms in the old palace, including the cat’s quarters. The grandest of them all is the Marquis Suite, once used as the grand ballroom and tearoom, its ceiling featuring a Rococo mural.
The Alma del Temple restaurant, located one floor below the lobby, was built around the ruins of the ancient Arab wall, and dining in the midst of this historic structure, resembling an archaeological museum, was a privilege. The fine-dining menu is designed for modern palates wishing to indulge in seafood, meat and vegetarian fare. Each dish is delicious and beautifully presented, served by friendly staff.
To think that waves of civilisations, representing Romans, Arabs, and Christians, occupied this space is mind-boggling. And whether you call it a hotel with a museum, or a museum with a hotel, it’s undoubtedly a rare gem in Valencia’s architectural heritage.
To find out more about the Caro Hotel and book, visit the links below:
CARO HOTEL
C/ de l’Almirall, 14
Ciutat Vella, 46003
Valencia, Spain
Web: carohotel.com
Tel: +34 963 059 000
Email: info@carohotel.com
Instagram: @carohotel_
Facebook: @carohotel