The province of León is
situated in the North-West of the Iberian Peninsula, with the the
Cantabrian mountains on one side and Galicia on the other. The origin of
the capital, León dates back to the first century with the settling of the
Roman Legio VII. Even then it was very cosmopolitan. During the Middle
Ages it was head of the kingdom and birthplace of kings for 300 years.
León had 24 kings before Castilla even had Laws.
León, "the city of happiness" according to the pilgrims heading to
Santiago de Compostela, gathers together a powerful history and Romanic,
Mudejar, Gothic and Plateresque artistic treasure and it still conserves
today the traces of its past splendour. It is strongly recommended is a
visit to the old town, during the evening. The old town is between the
Cathedral, San Francisco Garden and the ancient walls.
The Cathedral: It is a beautiful monument of the purest 13th
century Gothic style. Two slender towers frame the magnificent central
portico to the West, which encases some very beautiful sculptures. The
interesting facades of the transept, to the North and South, also display
fine sculptures and the splendid Apse stands out on the East. The interior
of the temple is considered to be the most beautiful of the Cathedrals in
Spain. Its collection of stained glass windows are unique and they occupy
the entire area between the slender columns. The great 12th century rose
window on the eastern wall is indeed extraordinary.
San Isidoro: A magnificent monument of 11th century Romanesque
style, it is made up of three naves and a transept with lobulated arches.
Lovely capitals crown the columns. There is a famous baptismal font dating
back to the 11th century. The Pantheon of the Kings of León stands in the
rear of the temple. The Treasury room conserves a variety of objects of
incalculable artistic value and many other valuable works are found in its
Library: Bibles, incunabula, codex, etc.
The Palacio de los Guzmanes: is a magnificent 16th century building
with an impressive courtyard. It was once the home of the Guzman family,
one of the wealthiest families in León. The building has four towers.
The Town Council, the Botines House (Gaudi Building) only 50 mts from the
hotel, the Palace of the Condes de Luna, San Salvador del Palat del Rey,
as well as San Marcelo and Our Lady of the Market are other buildings of
authentic interest that should not be missed
