This new Parador is at the highest point of the town of Lerma and was once the Ducal Palace. It was constructed on the site of a 15th c. castle and built according to architect Francisco de Mora's plans in successive phases between 1601 and 1617. Francisco Gómez de Sandoval y Rojas, first Duke of Lerma, ordered the castle built as a place of lodging, rest and general enjoyment for King Felipe III. This building features a central courtyard surrounded by columned arcades in alternating sections: the first has twenty Tuscan columns with semi-circular arches, and the second has twenty Ionic columns. The palace was restored and converted into a Parador with a capacity for 133 guests. Aside from the usual hotel services such as restaurant and convention rooms, the Parador is also equipped with Internet access.