LEÓN, A WONDERFUL CITY

León is the most northern province of of the region Castilla y León and geographically is one of the most diverse provinces in the whole of Spain with high mountains - covered in snow in Winter - steep cliffs and valleys sheltering lakes and gorges on the one hand, and flat plains watered by Leon's many rivers and streams providing herds with pastures and farmers with land to plant cereal crops on the other. Towards the north-east nearing the border with Galicia, the province of León is characterized by rolling countryside, round mountains covered in forests and picturesque villages.

The climate

León has a Mediterranean climate with continental influences in some areas and atlantic in others. Winters are usually very cold and snowfall common, especially in the mountains where there are some ski slopes, although no resorts. Summers are mild and relatively short.

Sites to visit in the City of Leon

Hostal San Marcos - Parador de León: One of the jewels of the city of Leon. This magnificent building was originally a hostal built to shelter the pilgrims on the Santiago Way. In the 15th century it was converted into a monastery, in the 17th century it was used as a prison and during the Spanish Civil War served as an army barracks. Today it is one of Spain's most impressive hotels. Part of the building is the Archeological Museum of Leon, well worth a visit.

León Cathedral: In the Plaza Regla. Spectacular gothic cathedral built in the 12th century with two tall towers covered with beautiful sculptures. Wonderful tall stained glass windows the cathedral is as impressive at night when it is illuminated, as by day. The musuem inside the cathedral has an interesting collection of paintings and sculptures.

Casa de Botines: Designed in the 19th Century by the famous Gaudí, the corner towers make this building look like a fairy story castle.

Basílica de San Isidoro: Romanic church in San Isidoro Plaza witha beautiful façade and an 11th-century baptism font. It has an interesting museum and pantheon of St. Isidoro with sculptures, works of art, medieval textiles and the magnificent Royal Pantheon where a total of 23 kings and queens of Leon, 12 princes and princesses and nine counts were buried and whose tall arches are covered in beautiful paintings.

MUSAC: Impressive modern art gallery with exhibitions of well-known Spanish and international artists. Each year the museum hosts FIMA, an international music festival.

Fundación Vela Zanetti: This 12th century mansion houses the collection of works of the internationally renowned artist Vela Zanetti who, although he was born in Burgos, lived for most of his life in Leon.

La confidencia 1963. Óleo sobre tabla. 95 x 55 cm.

Palacio de los Guzmanes: Luxurious 16th century building with beautiful indoor patio, this building serves as headquarters to the provincial parliament.

Tapas in Leon

 Around the Plaza de San Martín there are several pedestrian streets with some excellent tapas bars, very popular with locals especially at weekends. The best ones (all within walking distance from the Plaza) are El Tizón (Cisneros, 3) - excellent meat and sausage tapas; Celso II (Zapaterías, 17) which specialises in Spanish omelettes; La Taberna (La Rúa, 19) specialising in seafood and shellfish; El Llar in the Plaza itself, with a wide variety of typical Leonese tapas.