León

León is a city arising from the Roman camp of Legion VII Gemina. Even the “El Codex Calixtinus” describes León as a “city full of all types of goods”.

Being a popular stop among pilgrims, no less than sixteen hospitals used to serve them. The most famous ones were those of San Froilán, San Marcelo, and San Marcos.

One should not leave León without taking a walk in the splendid inner city of marvelous monuments and narrow streets. One of those is the Cathedral of León, a masterpiece of the Spanish gothic style, designed by French architects in the 13th century. Its glorious long windows are dazzling in the sun. You cannot get enough of this sight.

Accommodation in León

Hotel nameTypePrice rangeRoom typeOther
Albergue Santo Tomás de CanterburyAlbergueBudgetShared roomsFacilities for disabled guests, WiFi, Bar, Garden, Children’s playground
Albergue Muralla LeonesaAlbergueMid-rangeFamily rooms, Rooms with shared bathroomsTerrace, Kitchen, Shared lounge, WiFi
Hostal BayónGuest houseBudgetPrivate rooms with shared bathroomsBreakfast included, WiFi
Pensión Blanca B&BPensionMid-rangePrivate rooms, Twin rooms with shared bathroomsBreakfast included, WiFi, Shared living, Kitchen
Palacete ColonialHotelSplurgePrivate roomsBreakfast included, Terrace, WiFi
Parador de Turismo de LeónHotelSplurgePrivate roomsBreakfast included, The rooms include a balcony, WiFi

What to see in León

Cathedral of León

Built-in the 13th-14th century the cathedral is a beautiful example of classic gothic architecture flourishing in those centuries. Architects were inspired by Chartres, Rheims, and Amiens cathedrals, which are clearly seen in both structure and decoration. Near the main entrance, we find the image of St. James, where pilgrims often pray or rest their heads. Stepping inside the cathedral, we can marvel at the fascinating light phenomenon, let it through Spain’s most beautiful stained glass rose window.  

Collegiate church of San Isidoro

The collegiate church is a mixture of several buildings from different time periods. Originally a small chapel dedicated to St. John the Baptist was standing in its place which was later destroyed in the war. It was not much later that Fernando l ordered to build a burial place for himself and his wife on the same site and since then, the building has undergone several alterations. Its two main features Puerta del Perdon (forgiveness) and Puerta del Cordero (The Lamb) were built in 1513.

The Medieval City

The streets between Plaza Mayor and Plaza del Mercado represent the oldest historical part of León. This is where you find the “wet district” where all the pubs, restaurants, and bars can be found, a place for great entertainment. This area has completely preserved its medieval layout even the street names represent old crafts and trades.