Category Archives: Castile and Leon / Castilla y León

León: What to see in Leon city (Spain)

leon city

The city of León (which means Lion) is situated in the north-west of Spain, in Castile and Leon region, in a strategic place between the Bernesga and the Torío rivers which flow through the city just before its confluence.

Being one city about 140,000 inhabitants, Leon city has a lot to offer in cultural attractions, architecture, and entertainments, such as its Cathedral the most remarkable building of Leon; Roman Walls, Basilica of San Isidoro, San Marcos monastery, museums, traditional cuisine, restaurants, cafés, leisure areas, a medieval casco (medieval neighborhood) among other things. Besides, we cannot forget that Leon is a destination of the pilgrims who do the Saint James way before arriving in Santiago de Compostela.

León was founded as a wall camp called Legion in the first century before Christ by the Romans. Ten centuries later the king of Asturias y León Ordoño II (8??-924) chosen León as capital of his kingdom. However, in 1230 Fernando III king of Castilla y León (1199-1252) known as the Santo ( Saint) united both kingdoms of León and Castilla and Burgos was the capital of his kingdom.

 

Visiting León city (Spain)

The best way to explore the city is on foot, therefore, a enjoyable walk might start at the Regla square popularly known as the Cathedral square strolling through its surroundings the Cubos avenue (The Cubes), San Lorenzo and Cardenal Landazuri streets walkers can enjoy all facades of the Cathedral and Roman Walls also known as The Cubos which was constructed about the 3th century by the Romans and the Medieval Walls built in the 14th century.

The medieval casco (neighborhood) with most places within walking distance of center is the most popular area of León its pedestrian streets and squares such as the picturesque Santa María del Camino square also called Plaza del Grano is well worth a visit; The historic Plaza Mayor (the Main square) which impress visitors with its Edificio Mirador (Lookout Building) from 17th century, besides, the lively Plaza Mayor square is the best meeting point to make friends at the weekends and nightlife; Mariano Domingue de Berrueta, and the Ancha streets, the San Marcelo and the Conde Luna squares and surroundings plenty of restaurants, cafés, pubs, cafeterias and shops attract citizens and tourists. All of them take 5 minutes on foot from the Cathedral.

Basilica de San Isidoro (Saint Isidoro Basilica), which has 3 naves and was constructed in the 12th century, is regarded as one of the most important Romanesque churches in Spain . Its main and its south facades in Romanesque style, its altarpiece in the main chapel, its choir from 15th century. Tourists must not miss out on this Basilica which is located at 4 San Isidoro square to 5 minutes on foot from the Cathedral.

In the city center: the elegant Santo Domingo square is rounded by interesting buildings (the León Museum and the San Marcelo church); the Ordoño II avenue comes alive with shops, restaurants, cafés; in San Marcelo square visitors can see the amazing Casa Botines (Botines house) built about 1893 by the architect Antoni Gaudi i Cornet (1852 -1926). All of them take 5 minutes from the Cathedral.

Parador de San Marcos (Saint Marcos tourist hotel of 5 stars), which is located at 7 San Marcos square near Bernesga river, was built between 16th and 18th century in Gothic-Plateresque style and it is considered to be one of the longest Renaissance facade in Spain (it measures more than 87 meters in length), There are also a interesting archaeological museum and a beautiful Gothic church from 16th century. Visitors should not leave León without admiring this building. It takes 18 minutes on foot from the Cathedral. Moreover, there are also the MUSAC (the Art Leon y Castilla Museum), the Auditorio de Leon (Leon Concert Hall) and Building Europe in this modern neighborhood.

In addition, León has many parks with excellent facilities for sport and recreation, its riverside is the perfect place to spend the free time, By the way, other tourist attraction in León is that most people are used to going out eating its famous and delicious tapas, drinking some beer or wine and enjoying its friendly atmosphere every day. Tourists should not miss out Leon city when they visit Spain.

 

The Cathedral of Leon

catedral de leonSaint Mary Cathedral was built on the site of a previous church between the 13th and 15th centuries in Gothic style, being really one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Spain and Europe it is considered to be a Gothic masterpiece. In fact, its more than 125 colorful stained glass windows and its three large stained glass rose windows are viewed as some of the finest stained glass windows in the world.

Read more about the cathedral in this post: Santa Maria de la Regla Cathedral (Catedral de León).

 

More places to visit near Leon city

Castile and Leon: Read the best places and cities to visit in this spanish region, as Salamanca or Segovia.

The best cities to visit in Spain: Here you have a list with the most touristic cities of the country. 🙂

Catedral de León / Santa Maria de la Regla Cathedral (Leon city)

catedral de leon

With around 140,000 inhabitants, León city (Castile and Leon region) has a lot to offer its visitors, such as its Cathedral the most remarkable building of Leon, The Roman Walls, Basilica of San Isidoro, San Marcos monastery, the Old Town, and many more.

 

Leon Cathedral: Saint Mary Cathedral (Catedral de Santa María)

Saint Mary Cathedral, called the Pulchra Leonina, in León, was built on the site of a previous church between the 13th and 15th centuries in Gothic style, being really one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Spain and Europe it is considered to be a Gothic masterpiece. In fact, its more than 125 colorful stained glass windows and its three large stained glass rose windows are viewed as some of the finest stained glass windows in the world ( dating between 13th and 15th centuries). Either way, visitors will enjoy the colorful stained glass windows more if they stare at them inside the Cathedral when the sunlight shines through them. It is a must-see place.

The Cathedral of León has three facades, west, north and south; the west one is the most imposing facade with its three wonderful portals, two bell towers and one clock tower with its large stained glass rose window on the front of the facade. Moreover, inside the Leon Cathedral, which has three naves, interesting chapels, a stunning choir stalls from 15th century; a cloister (13th-15th centuries); a beautiful altarpiece from 15th century in the main chapel; the fine mausoleum of the king Ordoño II (13th-15th centuries), beautiful paintings, sculptures and artworks among others. Therefore, a must for tourists who arrive in León is to visit it. By the way, the local people must feel very proud to have this outstanding Cathedral.

On the other hand, if people are quite interested in religious art and culture, we suggest visiting the Diocesan Cathedral Museum, which is in itself worth a visit, has 17 rooms full of artworks, above all paintings and sculptures from the prehistory to the 20th century. Moreover, if tourists have plenty of time we recommend going upstairs to get the clerestory platform in order to enjoy the breathtaking view of the Cathedral, they will probability stay there for 30 minutes before going down the 64 stairs.

The ticket to visit the Cathedral costs between 2 and 5 euros and the Diocesan – Cathedral Museum costs about 5 euros. The Cathedral and the Diocesan Museum both of them are located in the Regla square.

 

More places to visit in Leon city

What to visit in Leon city: A brief guide with the more visited places in the city.

Castile and Leon: Read here the best places and cities to visit in this region, as Salamanca, Burgos, or Segovia.

Plaza Mayor de Salamanca / Salamanca Main Square

plaza mayor salamanca

The Main Square (Plaza Mayor) of Salamanca is the hearth of the city. This square is located in the Old Town of Salamanca and it’s surrounded by the most important buildings of the town, as The University faculties, The Shells House (Casa de las Conchas) or The Cathedral.

Salamanca is one of the best maintained traditional cities of Spain. The Old Town of Salamanca is highly popular for its elegant stone-made buildings, monuments and squares.

 

The Main Square of Salamanca

plaza mayor salamanca 2Salamanca Main Square is one of the icons of the city. It was built from 1729 to 1756 by architect Alberto Churriguera. The square has a rectangular shape bordered by elegant stone-made Baroque buildings.

The main facade of the square is the Hall Town of Salamanca. Starting from this point and bordering the square, there is a beam corridor in where are medallions which have sculpted the faces of some important people of the last centuries: The kings of Spain (Carlos I, Felipe II…), conquerors (as Cristobal Colón or Hernán Cortés), or writers (Cervantes, Miguel de Unamuno…).

Although in the beginnings of the 20th century the Main Square has gardens in it. Nowadays it has been remodeled to leave more free space. However the square has benches and terraces for the people who want to rest or have a lunch.

Note: Don’t mistake Plaza Mayor of Salamanca with Plaza Mayor of Madrid. This second one was in 1580, but it’s not as spectacular as the Salamanca’s one.

 

Restaurants and bars in Salamanca near Plaza Mayor

To eat and drink in the Old Town of Salamanca is a pleasure: The bars and restaurants are merged with the traditional environment of the town, which will lead you into a medieval atmosphere in were Salamanca was one of the main cities of Spain.

The most visited bars and restaurants of Salamanca are placed in Plaza Mayor and its surroundings. Also, there are many pubs and discotheques in the area for young people.

Take into account that, as Plaza Mayor of Salamanca is the heart of the city, people are used to dating there with their friends to spend the free time in this zone. As a curiosity, it is said that the prices of the bars are cheaper than in other bigger cities of the country as Madrid.

 

Night Life in Salamanca

plaza mayor salamanca de nocheSalamanca is a high popular destination for young people. As it has the oldest university of Spain, many students (both Spaniards and Erasmus) live there during their studies. That means that, during the academic course, there are always a lot of activities for students and visitors.

The main bars and discotheques of Salamanca are placed in the Old Town, near the University buildings. In there, there is a lot of night life almost every day, from September to June (during the academic year).

 

 

Other remarkable places in Salamanca that you might like to visit

What to visit in Salamanca: Check here our article with the top buildings and monuments of Salamanca.

Castile and Leon (Castilla y León): By visiting Castile and Leon you will be in some of the most ancient cities of the centre of the Iberian Peninsula: Salamanca, Burgos, Segovia, Avila and more.

The best cities to visit in Spain: A list with the most touristic cities and destinations of Spain.

Catedral de Burgos / The Burgos Cathedral

burgos

Burgos city has 180,000 inhabitants and is situated in the north of Spain. The Saint Mary Cathedral in Burgos, (Catedral de Santa María de Burgos), popularly known as The Burgos Cathedral is the most remarkable building in Burgos and one of most beautiful Gothic Cathedral in Spain, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1984.

 

History of the cathedral

fachada catedralThe colossal Burgos Cathedral was begun its construction in 1221 by the King Fernando III of Castilla, known as The Saint (1199-1252), and the Bishop of Burgos Don Mauricio and was finished its construction in 18th century. The current Cathedral was built on the site of a Romanesque church which had been demolished in order to build a temple bigger. In fact, the Cathedral has 3 naves, 19 interesting chapels, one of the best Gothic cloister in Spain which is dated in the 14th century and decorated with sculptures of the 13th and 14th centuries among other things.

As this cathedral has more than enough artworks to see in a visit, one option is to stroll along the streets bordering the Cathedral admiring its architecture. If visitors start their walk in Saint Mary square they can see the impressive main facade in Gothic style with its two outstanding towers which have 84 metres in height and were finished by Juan de Colonía (1410-1481), in the best Flamboyant Gothic style, the great stained glass rose window and its three gates. On the left, people can go upstairs to get Fernán González street in where they will find the fine Gothic Coronería or the Apostles gate. Continuing straight and turning on the right they can stare the Pellejería gate which was built in 1516 by Francisco de Colonía. Finally, taking Paloma street, walkers will arrive at the King Saint Fernando square where is the Gothic Sarmental gate built in the 13th century with the finest sculptures, it is really the more beautiful gate of the Cathedral and the original stained glass window on its facade; and turning on the right, strollers will see the Saint Mary square again. Do not leave without staring the Gothic Sarmental gate.

 

Visiting the cathedral of Burgos

retablo catedral burgosInside the Cathedral of Burgos, visitors can not miss out the unbelievable dome dates in the 16 century; in the central nave is the main altarpiece (16th century) which is considered to be one of the best altarpiece in Spain; the beautiful choir; the golden staircase from 16th century; the famous Papamoscas from 16th century (a strange figure doll on a clock that opens its mouth once a hour); the tomb of Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, known as El Cid Campeador (1044-1099) and his wife Jimena; the Flamboyant Gothic Condestable chapel which is a masterpiece by Simon de Colonia (1450-1511) from the 15th century and its stained glass window; the Saint Tecla chapel (18th century), and many more artworks.

People interested in attending Mass should go to the Saint Tecla chapel from 8,30 to 13,30 and 16 to 20, it will be closed for tourists.

The Cathedral is open for tourists from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. ( from 10 to 19). A ticket costs from 1,50 to 7 euros. Visitors must remember that Burgos Cathedral is an important point in the Way of Saint James’ pilgrims.

inside catedral burgosMoreover, before entering or after going out the Cathedral, tourists can enjoy the visit more if they take a look around the King Saint Fernando square to see the pilgrim statue and the noteworthy the Saint Mary arch which is opposite to the Cathedral and was one of the walls’ gates to enter the city in the medieval times. By the way, there are several cafes, restaurants, shops in this square.

 

Other interesting buildings to visit in Burgos, near the cathedral

The Saint Mary square is a starting point to get other interesting buildings in Burgos easily, for example, the Burgos Castle takes about 10 minutes on foot, it is the perfect place to take photographs and people can see the breathtaking view of the Cathedral and surroundings; the outstanding Saint Mary of the Huelgas Monastery (Monasterio de Santa María de las Huelgas) dated in the 12th century takes about 30 minutes on foot, tourists should not leave Burgos without visiting it.

Finally, Saint Nicholas church (Iglesia de San Nicolas) from the 15th century with an alabaster altarpiece worth a visit to 5 minutes from the square.

 

 

More places to visit in Spain

Castile and Leon: Read here the best places to visit in Castile and Leon, where is places Burgos.

The most popular monuments of Spain: Here you have a list with some of the most popular buildings to visit in Spain.

Top cities and destinations in Spain: What to see in Spain?  If you are thinking of visiting Spain but you don’t know exactly what are the best cities to see, this post is for you.

Granja de San Ildefonso: A Royal Palace with gardens and fountains (Segovia)

granja de san ildefonso

 

The Royal Palace curchof San Ildefonso (popularly known as La Granja de San Ildefonso) is a magnificent palace located in San Ildefonso, a small town of Segovia. This palace is famous for its wide gardens with fountains and statues, which are visited by many tourists both in summer and winter.

San Ildefonso is 90km away from Madrid. To arrive there you can go from Madrid by car (1 hour trip aprox.) or from Segovia, which is really close to the palace.

 

The Royal Palace of San Ildefonso

The Royal Palace of San Ildefonso is a group of buildings that includes the palace, a church, a square and some other buildings. It is surrounded by the town at the entrance of the palace and, behind it, it is placed the gardens with its fountains and statues.

palace 2Talking about its history, the palace was rebuilt in 1700 by Carlos II, after several fires. Some years later, in 1724, Felipe V lived there twenty years of his life and improved a lot the gardens and fountains, which currently are the most famous part of San Ildefonso.

Visiting the interior of the palace can cost between 4 and 9€. However, to visit the gardens and its fountains is free. (Many people go there only to see the gardens).

 

The gardens

gardensThe gardens of San Ildefonso have an XVIII style and were designed by René Carlier. They consist on a combination of forest areas with paths, statues and fountains inside them.

To visit the gardens is free, and it is a perfect place to stay one day resting, taking photons and enjoying the nature.

 

 

The fountains

fountain statueInside the gardens, the most popular elements are the fountains. They are placed all in the gardens and some of them have marble statues of gods as Apollo and Neptune. Also, you will find some waterfalls, bridges and many more.

In total, there are eleven fountains: Carrera de caballos (Horse race) , La cascada (The cascade), El canastillo (The basket), Las ocho calles (The eight streets), Las ranas (the frogs), Los baños de Diana (Diana baths), La Fama (The fame), La selva (The forest), Los dragones (The dragons) and Las Tazas (The cups).

statue fountain san ildefonso

 

San Ildefonso: The town

restaurants and townSan Ildefonso Town is by the entrance of the palace. Although is a small town, is the perfect place to park your car, to rest, to take a coffee and eat the traditional food of Segovia in its restaurants.

 

 

 

Touristic map of El sitio de San Ildefonso: Royal Palace, gardens and fountains

Here you have a map of the palace and the gardens with its fountains and statues.

map

 

More cities to visit near San Ildefonso

Segovia: With its impressive roman aqueduct and its Alcazar, Segovia is a must for tourists who are visiting the central region of Spain.

Madrid: The capital of the country is always plenty of cultural and leisure activity.

Salamanca: Salamanca has the most ancient university of Spain. Also, visiting its historic centre is like to stay in the medieval age, surrounded of elegant stone-made buildings, churches, squares and monuments.  Salamanca is surely one of the best maintained traditional cities of the country.

Toledo: Toledo is an historical city with a lot of ancient buildings and monuments which make a medieval atmosphere for everyone who want to visit it.

The best cities to visit in Spain: Read here our list with the best destinations of Spain.

Salamanca: What to visit in Salamanca, a stone-made medieval city with the oldest university of Spain

salamanca rua mayor

Salamanca is one of the most beautiful cities of Spain. It is placed in Castile and Leon region, in the central part of the Iberian Peninsula and currently its population is around 150.000 inhabitants.

mapa salamanca spainThe origins of the city starts in the 3rd century before Christ, when Anibal conquered Salamanca,when it was still a town . Later, the city was occupied by the Roman Empire, conquered by the Visigoths and then by the muslims. After many wars, the city was destroyed and it remained uninhabited until the 10th century, when Ramiro II started it resettlement.

In 1255 was officially founded the University of Salamanca, the oldest university of Spain.

 

Why do we have to visit Salamanca?

plaza universidadSalamanca is a high popular destination: As it has the oldest university of Spain, many students (both Spaniards and erasmus of other countries)  go every year to study there.

Also, the historic centre of the city is famous for its elegant stone-made buildings, as the cathedral, the university headquarters, monuments and squares.

Salamanca is surely one of the best maintained traditional cities of the country. Surely, if you visit the old centre of Salamanca, you will feel the sensation of being living in the medieval age. The city was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1988.

 

The most important buildings, squares and monuments of Salamanca

– The two Cathedrals of Salamanca: There are two cathedrals in Salamanca, the older one and the newer one. Both of them are placed nearby in the centre of the city.

The old cathedral is placed in Juan XIII Square, and was built between the 12th and 14th centuries. It has an romanic – gothic style.  The new cathedral is placed in Cardenal Pla Street. It was built in the 16th Century and it has a gothic – baroque style.

catedral salamanca

 

– La casa de las conchas (The Shells House): This gothic palace is located near Rua Mayor (Main Street), which goes from the New Cathedral to Plaza Mayor. It was built in the first years of the 16th century.

The walls of the of the palace are covered with shells, in where a legend says that there is hidden a treasure below one of the shells. Inside the building, currently you can find a public library.

casa de las conchas

 

Plaza Mayor (Main Square): Salamanca Main Square is another icon of the city. It was built in 1729, and nowadays it is the neuralgic center of the city where people meet, have a lunch or take a walk. Maybe, it can remind some people of Plaza Mayor of Madrid, which was built some years before, in 1617.

plaza mayor salamanca

 

– University of Salamanca: This is the oldest university of Spain, which have been alive since 1254/1255. However, its activity started some years before, in 1130.

The university buildings,  faculties and residences are located in the old city. You can see the headcuarters of the university in the photo. As a curiosity, there is a frog hidden in the front of the building. Will you be able to find it?

universidad

 

– Iglesia y Convento de San Esteban (San Esteben Church and Convent): This convent belongs to the Dominicans Fathers, who have been in Salamanca since the University began in 1255. The original convent was built in 1256, but it was demolished and in 1524 was constructed the actual Gothic church that you can visit nowadays.

convento de san esteban dominicos

 

– Casa Lis (Lis Palace): Casa Lis is a 19th century palace in where currently is placed an Art Deco museum. It is placed just in the old walls of the city, in the line which separates the old city with the newer one.

casa lis

 

– Puente Romano (Roman bridge): As many other cities in Spain, Salamanca also has a roman bridge. The bridge crosses the Tormes River, and can bee seen from the terraces of the old city.

puente romano

 

– Night life in Salamanca: As the city is full of students, during the scholar year there are always a lot of activities for young people. You can find a lot of shops and restaurants for tourists in the old city, and during the night you can enjoy many pubs and discotheques.

plaza mayor salamanca de noche

 

 

Map of Salamanca

 

Other cities to visit near Salamanca

Madrid: The capital of the country is always plenty of cultural and leisure activity.

Segovia: With its impressive roman aqueduct and its Alcazar, Segovia is a must for tourists who are visiting the central region of Spain.

Toledo: Toledo is an historical city with a lot of ancient buildings and monuments which make a medieval atmosphere for everyone who want to visit it.

The best cities to visit in Spain: Read here our list with the best destinations of Spain.

Acueducto de Segovia / Segovia Aqueduct (Segovia)

segovia

The Segovia Aqueduct is the most important roman architecture of Spain. It is placed in Segovia, a friendly city of 50.000 inhabitants located one hour away of Madrid by car or bus.

segovia aqueductWhen the aqueduct was built by the Roman Empire, in the first century A.D, its mission was to transport water from Fuente Fria river to the town. The aqueduct covers a distance of 15 km and the structure of its final part consists in 36 stone arches which sustains the water channel.

Nowadays, many tourists visit Segovia to see the aqueduct and other important monuments as The Alcazar, The Cathedral and the old city centre, which are some of the most remarkable monuments of Castile and Leon region. The Aqueduct and the old city of Segovia were declared World Heritage sites by UNESCO in 1985.

 

What to visit near Aqueduct of Segovia

– Historic centre of the town: The centre of Segovia has a lot of historic buildings, and also it is the perfect place to eat or take a drink in its bars and restaurants.

– Alcazar de Segovia: This is other of the most popular monuments of the city. It is said that this castle is dated from the same ages than the aqueduct, when the Roman Empire was in Spain. Later, in the medieval age it was used as a fortification and as a palace.

plaza mayor segovia– Segovia Cathedral (Catedral de Santa María de Segovia): This Gothic cathedral is placed in the centre of the city, and it can be seen from Plaza Mayor. The building construction began in the 16th century and it is well known for the Spaniards for its elegance and for its giant dimensions.

– Plaza Mayor (Main Square): As in many other cities of Spain, Plaza Mayor is one of the most traditional squares of Segovia. It is the perfect place to take a rest or drink something while you can appreciate the magnificence of the cathedral.

– San Martín church: Another ancient building placed in the centre of Segovia. Although is not as famous as the aqueduct or the Alcazar, this catholic church was built in the 12th century, four hundred years before than the cathedral.

 

Map of the old town of Segovia (Spain)

Here you have a touristic map of Segovia (click on it to maximize the map).

segovia touristic map

 

More cities to visit near Segovia

Madrid: The capital of the country is always plenty of cultural and leisure activity.

Salamanca: Salamanca has the most ancient university of Spain. Also, visiting its historic centre is like to stay in the medieval age, surrounded of elegant stone-made buildings, churches, squares and monuments.  Salamanca is surely one of the best maintained traditional cities of the country.

Toledo: Toledo is an historical city with a lot of ancient buildings and monuments which make a medieval atmosphere for everyone who want to visit it.

The best cities to visit in Spain: Read here our list with the best destinations of Spain.