An imposing cathedral, walls worthy of a movie, an exceptional Romanesque complex, streets full of tapas bars... all this ensemble is named León, a city that deserves a visit where culture and fun can be combined.
Leon boasts a great wealth of monumental and artistic heritage that allows visitors to admire many different landmarks in a very compact and easy-to-explore area. The city traces its origins back to the Roman era, of which the walled enclosure is the main remaining structure. Standouts from the Romanesque period include the collegiate church of San Isidoro, while the Gothic era is represented by the Cathedral of Santa Maria, and from the Renaissance period, the San Marcos convent stands out. These are the main attractions of the city, along with noble palaces, churches, convents, and civil buildings such as the charming Mayor square.
A street in the old town of León
The city, in addition, is one of the historical stops on the Camino de Santiago, and offers the pilgrim one of the main cathedrals on their route to Compostela. Throughout León, there is an atmosphere of pilgrimage, both in its spiritual aspect and its social aspect.
In the old town of the city, the Húmedo neighborhood is home to countless taverns and inns full of tapas and portions where you can taste Leonese cuisine. From cecina to lamb or vegetables, to trout. Of course, accompanied by a good wine from León or with the so-called lemonade during Easter, which has only the aroma of lemon, as it is more like a heavily loaded fruit sangria.
Monumental cathedral
The Cathedral of Santa María de León, one of the emblematic places in the city
The cathedral of León is, without a doubt, one of the main attractions of the city. A prime example of Gothic architecture inspired by the French cathedral of Reims, it has a floor plan with three naves that become five at the transept. It is a monumental temple, elegant in its Gothic verticality, filled with works of art in both sculpture and painting, ornamental elements, and, of course, stained glass windows.
These colorful and richly decorated stained glass windows offer representations and symbols of saints, kings, and prophets, as well as heraldic themes and floral motifs typical of León, such as the vine or the oak leaf. The entire interior is a compendium of the medieval theological conception of the world, presided over by the blessing of the creator. Even the predominant colors of each stained glass window are designed to have a different effect depending on the time of day or year when they receive sunlight.
The interior of the cathedral leaves speechless with its thousand colors projected by the light that filters through the stained glass windows
The temple has three façades with various doors, each dedicated to a different virgin or saint. The cloister also stands out for its harmony, and inside, you can admire the colossal dimensions of the towers' spires, where those that have been removed after restoration are housed. The Gothic choir, the high altar, and the various chapels complete a collection that cannot be missed on the visitor's guide to the city.
The Romanesque style of San Isidoro
The Royal Collegiate Church of San Isidoro is the other great jewel of the city. In a Romanesque style that later evolves into Baroque, it is considered one of the most outstanding ensembles of this style throughout Spain. Throughout its history, it housed important schools of goldsmithing and craftsmen of ivory and jet, among others.
The royal pantheon of San Isidoro is nicknamed 'the Sistine Chapel of the Romanesque'
The main façade stands out for its architectural style full of symbolism and, like the cathedral, also features several prominent doors. Inside, the nave exudes peace and harmony, presided over by a monumental Renaissance altarpiece.
The royal pantheon of San Isidoro is undoubtedly one of the most outstanding monuments in the city. Dubbed the “Romanesque Sistine Chapel,” it houses the most extensive and best-preserved collection of Romanesque mural paintings in Europe. These paintings, covering walls, vaults, and arches, frame the royal tombs of kings and queens of the Kingdom of León, as well as princes and counts.
Interior of the Royal Collegiate Church of San Isidoro
The royal pantheon is part of the collegiate museum, which also offers important pieces of medieval art, among which stands out the chalice of Lady Urraca, a medieval silverwork piece with two Roman agate pieces. In addition, there is a complete collection of reliquary caskets, authentic works of art dating back to different centuries.
From the Romans to the Renaissance
The Roman wall, which defended the city and of which many fragments are still preserved, is another of the city's attractions. Some towers were demolished years ago, but fortunately the process was halted upon recognizing the importance of preserving the layout and the original perspective. Currently, it is one of the most spectacular areas of the city, with the bulging shapes of the towers protruding from the defensive wall.
Mayor square in León, a space with a lot of charm and history
Nearby, the Mayor square gathers all the charm of arcaded squares, large houses, and a lot of history. There stands the old town hall building, and, reflecting the medieval markets that used to take place, now local farmers gather to sell locally sourced products.
Several small palaces bear witness to the Renaissance palatial architecture in Spain, such as the Guzmanes palace or the Count Luna palace, the latter with medieval origins. In other palaces, they took more risks, as in the case of the Botines house, commissioned to Antoni Gaudí, who built a neo-gothic building designed for a textile business on the ground floor and homes on the upper floors. Here, Gaudí was able to experiment with some of the techniques that he would later develop more thoroughly.
San Marcos was the main headquarters of the Order of Santiago, a prison, and now a national parador.
A little way from the city center, but on the natural exit of the city, on the way to Compostela, the huge convent complex of San Marcos stands imposingly with its long Plateresque facade. Admiring the facade, the sculpture of a medieval pilgrim sitting while resting his feet helps to travel back in time to the moment when this building was the main headquarters of the Order of Chivalry of Santiago for the Kingdom of León. This ancient 12th-century hostel for pilgrims was rebuilt in the 16th century and also served as a prison, where Quevedo was held captive. Today, it is a national parador.
The tapas route
But not only does man and woman live on culture. In León, you can enjoy one of Spain's most famous neighborhoods for strolling in search of the tastiest tapas and the fullest-bodied wine. The Húmedo neighborhood is a true institution in the city, where locals almost religiously wander through the medieval alleyways of the old town, now filled with bars, taverns, restaurants, and pubs for every taste and flavor. The San Martín square is the heart of the neighborhood, a bohemian and fun place.
In the Húmedo neighborhood of León, people wander in search of the most delicious tapas and the fullest-bodied wine
Very close, the tranquil Grano square is one of the most charming places in the city, with the entire square paved, the fountain in the center, the façade of a convent, and the trees that provide shade and welcome the visitor. In addition to visiting historical and cultural monuments, and enjoying all the leisure activities, one of the pleasures of León is getting lost in its narrow streets and discovering hidden corners where one can enjoy silence and contemplation.