Discover LEÓN
A place is never just that place; it is its customs, its people, its smells and tastes, and above all, its experiences. The culture of a territory resides in the hearts and souls of its people.
A province like few others in which diversity is one of its strengths; in our land you will find the essence of history among the numerous vestiges of the Roman Empire, in its medieval castles or in its more contemporary buildings, you can also delight in the natural wealth of the environment and enjoy a vibrant gastronomy while discovering what is hidden in each of our streets.
LEÓN MOUNTAINS
The city of León is located in a privileged enclave, a great unknown full of beauty, just a few minutes away from the bustling city. Perhaps this is what makes it special and what gives it its charm.
It is in this area where we can find the León side of the famous Picos de Europa, and not only that, but also the Biosphere Reserve of Babia, the Montes de León and the Sierra de Gistredo, a paradise without equal for all mountain lovers.
Due to the vastness of its geography, you will be able to enjoy a wide gastronomic diversity, as well as enjoying the haven of peace and tranquillity offered by its multitude of landscapes, from outstanding peaks such as Peña Ubiña or the Teleno, to the well-known fjords of Riaño in León or exploring some of its routes, such as the famous Cares Route.
KINGS PANTHEON
Getting lost in the streets of the cities, discovering corners and noticing small details that are normal to the locals, are some of the pleasures for travellers. However, sometimes, we get so fascinated by the charm of the architecture around us that we don’t go any further and sometimes we can miss real gems that are just a little more “hidden”.
We can, without realising it, miss the Pantheon of the Kings, which is located inside the Basilica of San Isidoro. Sometimes the outside can captivate us so much that we forget what is inside. Of Roman origin and Romanesque style, the Basilica of San Isidoro houses what we know as “The Sistine Chapel of Romanesque Art”, and it certainly is.
It is in the Royal Pantheon or Chapel of the Kings, with three naves, where we can find, as well as a faithful example of Romanesque architecture, these beautiful fresco paintings that run along its six vaults and take us back in time.
THE MÉDULAS
The passage of history often leaves its mark on nature without our noticing, it goes unnoticed… On other occasions it leaves us with some of the most striking and curious landscapes, as is the case of the Médulas.
Man-made action is largely responsible for the current appearance of this set of reddish sands and forests that in the past were nothing more than an ingenious and enormous work of Roman engineering, which would give rise to the largest open-pit gold mining operation of the time.
Today we do not know it as such, but rather as a vestige of the Roman Empire’s passage through León and one of the great attractions of El Bierzo. This marvellous landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an Asset of Cultural Interest and a Natural Monument, and there are numerous trails to explore the area from all sides.
