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Leon is the capital city of the province of Leon and is located in the northwest of Spain. The origins of the city of Leon go back to the year 68 AD. Leon was built on the site of a Roman camp. According to the chronicles of pilgrims Leon was a city that was 'full of all happiness' and still to this day brings much pleasure to visitors.

Leon itself lies on a fertile plain surrounded by woods, orchards and meadows. Natural resources and pastures of the mountains of Leon produce rich milk and meat, including cheese, butter, Villamanin hams and sausages from Trobajo. Winter sports are particularly well catered for in San Isidro and Pajares passes where all kinds of ski-lifts can be found. The purity of the water in Leon is ideal for catching trout in its famous rivers.

The city encapsulates the old medieval part and the modern one. There is an extraordinary historical and artistic heritage. The streets that spread out between the Plaza Mayor and the Plaza del Mercado still help to give the city a medieval appearance. The area around the Plaza Mayor and the Plaza de San Martin is popularly known as the 'wet district' since it is the location of many bars, pubs and restaurants. The Plaza del Mercado is the square where the market is held and where royal proclamations were once read. The square known as the Plaza de San Marcelo is the site of several other monuments of interest. Examples include the Palace of Los Guzmanes; the Town Hall; and the so-called Casa de Botines, built in the Neo-Gothic style.

The capital is a progressive city with its magnificent buildings, the Gothic Cathedral, The 12th century Royal Basilica of San Isidoro and the ancient San Marcos Convent, are three of the most characteristic monuments that stand out for their great artistic value. Modern works of art to be encountered in the city include the great mural by Vela Zanetti, located inside the Church of San Jose Obrero, and Subirachs's work 'Whitsuntide', which is kept inside the Shrine of the Virgin of El Camino.

The Cathedral is a magnificent example of the classical Gothic architecture. It takes the form of a Roman cross. There surprising dimensions of stained glass windows set into a relatively small surface of walls. The inside is illuminated by the light passing through and the windows are classed as the most important in Spain, receiving the title of 'the Beauty of Leon'. These windows are characterised by having the scenes and religious figures framed by strips of floral or geometric patterns. Another attraction of the cathedral is a silver urn by Enrique de Arfe, which contains the mortal remains of San Froilan, the patron saint of Leon.

The Collegiate Church of San Isidoro constitutes a most interesting example of early Romanesque art in Spain, though the present-day Basilica is a mixture of buildings belonging to several different time periods. The earlier pre-Romanesque construction, was dedicated to St. John the Baptist, but unfortunately was destroyed by Almanzor. One can experience the extraordinary paintings on the vaults, which date from the 12C, which still maintain their bright colours and are considered the finest examples of Romanesque painting in Spain. The Puerta del Cordero is decorated with the statues of San Isidoro and San Pelayo, surrounded by the Signs of the Zodiac. The Museum of the Collegiate Church of San Isidoro el Real contains an agate chalice that belonged to Dona Urraca, some valuable works in gold and silver, and a collection of very old manuscripts.

The Convent of San Marcos was originally founded for the Knights of the Order of St. James. It has a magnificent Plateresque facade, which has a profuse decoration of medallions, columns and pilasters. The Baroque portal has sculpture of St. James, and a frieze of mythological and historical busts. The Provincial Archeological Museum is located here and contains exhibits from prehistoric times and archeological finds from around the region. The Convent of San Marcos has been converted into a luxury hotel, and forms part of the network of Spanish Paradores.

Other Towns Of The Province

Ponferrada - A former citadel in Roman times. The hamlet of Pons Ferrata (Bridge of Iron, is situated on the Pilgrim's Road to Santiago de Compostela and named in this way because of the building of a bridge reinforced with iron. The Knights Templar (Los Templarios) used the place of a primitive Roman fortress in order to build a castle in which they settled and which, at the same time, protected the passing pilgrims.

One entrance to the square is straddled by a tall clock-tower which sits above one of the gateways of the medieval wall. nearby is the Renaissance Basilica de la Virgen de la Encina. The older Iglesia de Santo Tomas de las Ollas is hidden away in the town´s village-like northern suburbs. Mozarabic, Romanesque and Baroque elements combine in the architecture of this simple church. The 10th century apse has beautiful horseshoe arches. Ask at the nearest house for the key.

Astorga - Situated at the crossing of two important Spanish routes. These routes were used as pilgrimage roads. The main Pilgrim's Road to Santiago de Compostela, now declared a World Heritage Route by UNESCO, led here. In the town you will find a theme park which has taken the majority of archaeological remains belonging to this historical period and brought them together, you can see interesting Roman relics: sections of a basilica, baths, mansions and part of the sewerage system, among others.

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