Places of Interest in Castilla-León - León

The history of León is written on every one of its stones, reminding visitors that it was once part of an old kingdom, and that it played a key role in the route of the Camino de Santiago (The Way of St James). In this place, from the 10th century onwards, emerged the monarchy and noble clans of North-East Spain. The city is home to an enviable collection of monuments that embraces almost all artistic styles, from Romanesque, Gothic, Plateresque, Renaissance and modern. It was founded on what was once the Roman military camp for the Legio VII "Gemina" in Hispania in 74 AD. This is a thousand year-old enclave cut through by the river Bernesga. The pleasant walk along the river which crosses the city is a relaxing passtime for many of the inhabitants of León. The river Torío also passes through the town across the Puente Castro quarter.

León is an attractive city to walk around with its bars, churches, palaces, and to keep one's eyes open for the traveller on his way to Santiago de Compostela. It is a bright and open city which receives a great number of visitors every year, especially with the arrival of Semana Santa, which has been declared a tourist attraction throughout the country.

The Camino de Santiago is one of the city's main cultural reference points, and along the pilgrim's route you can discover the corners and crevices of this thousand year-old city. Travellers approach the city from the Alto del Portillo from where there is a beautiful view of the entire city. After crossing the Puente Castro quarter, the route heads towards the traditional quarter of Santa Ana. Very close by is the Plaza del Grano, one of the most original and beautiful in old León, which contains a treasury of typical architecture from León.

The number of artistic artefacts found inside the Roman walls which surround the old town is surprising. The Cathedral, with its Latin cross, known as "Pulcra leonina" (exquisite leonese) is the symbol of the city and its facade is a spectacular example of French Gothic architecture. It boasts a spectacular portico and 1800 square metres of glass windows placed in every available space in the church. It is a remarkable display of multicoloured brilliance which never fails to impress visitors. On the outside of the church is the radiant Virgen Blanca, who is a figure of great devotion for the people of León.

Very close by is the Roman Basílica de San Isidoro from the 11th and 12th century. The Saint's remains are guarded inside. The basilica boasts two spectacular doorways (the Puerta del Perdón and the Puerta del Cordero), and the museum, which is definitely worth visiting, houses an impressive Romanesque fresco with religious scenes and representations from daily life in the 13th century. Just beside San Isidoro are the Roman walls next to the well-known Torre de los Ponce.

The facade of San Marcos is Plateresque (15th and 16th century Spanish art form), decorated with medals and statues, recalls the reign of Carlos I. The most surprising element in the church however, are the motifs of Santiago which adorn the entire area. They are a reminder of the old pilgrims' hospital which used to be housed here, and which is now a luxury Parador de Turismo.

The church of San Juan and San Pedro de Renueva, constructed under Renaissance lines, the church of San Marcelo from the 10th century and the church of San Martín, are other interesting architectural examples. There are also civil buildings to visit such as the Palacio de los Guzmanes from 1559, by Gil de Hontañón, the Palacio de Torreblanca from the 17th century, or the Palacio de los Condes de Luna. The Palacio de Gaudí or the Casa de Botines is a Neo-Gothic building of medieval inspiration from the last decade, built by the Catalan architect Antonio Gaudí.

The fiestas are also an important attraction. The week of the 20th to 30th June has become the Semana Grande de León because at this time the Fiestas de San Juan and San Pedro are celebrated. There are bullfights, street shows, processions and activities for the young and old. In October the Fiestas de San Froilán, the patron, is celebrated and on the last Sunday of April, the traditional "Cabezadas" are celebrated.

One of the most unique characteristics of the province of León is its rich gastronomical variety. It offers good quality meat such as cecina de vacuno, which is cured beef, and botillo which is perhaps the most typical food of El Bierzo (both products are protected by an Indicacíon Geográfica de Calidad). It also offers a huge variety of cheeses such as the Valdeón, Babia and Laciana or the cheeses of Valdeteja, and the wines of El Bierzo which are officially accredited, and the Vinos de la Tierra de León.