Travel Guide to Leon, Spain

Leon is a town on north-east of Spain. It is situated on the bank of the Bernesga River right at the foot of the Cordillera Cantábrica. The population of this city estimated 122.7 thousands of people in 2004.

Leon is an important transport crossing with well-developed mining, leather making, chemical, food, and pharmaceutical industries and machine building.

The old city is partially surrounded by a wall that has been built by Romans. San Isidoro basilica is one of the most notable sights of the Roman epoch. The basilica was built in 1055; its western part is the location of the “Pantheon of Kings”, which roof and walls feature unique drawings.

Santa Maria de Regla Cathedral is a beautiful example of early gothic architecture style. The church, which has been built by the French masters, is often called the best gothic building of Spain. The façade of the building is decorated with two towers and three portals that are crowned by sculptures and rose windows. The inner decoration of the cathedral is no less interesting as you will find there amazing gothic frescos made by Nicolas Frances. The windows in the cathedral are almost fully decorated by stained glass. This cathedral has no equivalents in Spain.

San Marcos Monastery is a former shelter for pilgrims in Santiago de Compostella. The monastery was founded in XII century. Its façade is made in the plateresco style.

Among other notable architectural sights of the city are Casa de los Botines и Casa de los Gusmanes palaces.

Approximately 30 kilometers away from Leon is located a beautiful church San Miguel de Escalada. It was built by the Mozarabs.

Tourists are also offered to visit the museum of Can Isidoro basilica that exhibits the masterpieces of church art of XI-XII centuries, Eparchial Museum, Provincial Museum, Museum of Natural History and Art salon.