León, Spain

León, Spain

The Cathedral of León, Spain (cc)

León Travel Guide

Introduction

León is a proud and supremely ancient city in northwestern Spain, dating from the 1st century BC. It is centered around a fabulous, 13th-century Gothic cathedral that is seemingly more glass than stone – at least to the naked eye. It features no fewer than 186 glass windows, 125 of them with stained glass, 57 circular ones, and four enormous rose windows, including one that measures 26 feet (8 meters) in diameter. The cathedral fairly sparkles in the bright sunlight, with all but the brilliance of a kaleidoscope. And as such, in all of Spain, it is second only to the Burgos cathedral in its splendor.

The Castilla y León Destinations of Spain

León Highlights

Main Sights and Attractions

Among other glories of León, apart from its Gothic cathedral, are a Neo-Gothic, early creation of Antoni Gaudi, the Casa de Botines, and the 12th-century Basilica of San Isidro which is a superb example of Early Romanesque Spanish architecture, with a lovely fresco-adorned interior. A couple of other old churches and palaces add to the interest, as does MUSAC, León's Contemporary Art Museum, housed in a landmark avant-garde building draped in multicolored panels.

Party Scene

Leon's party and drinking neighborhood is Barrio Húmedo, where the tapas are always free. Truly.

León Basics

Location

León is situated on the banks of the river Bernesga, in the Castilla y León region. It is 91 miles (144 km) south of Gijón, or 114 miles (184 km) west of Burgos.

Population

León has a population of 134,000.

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