Visit Leon, a beautiful city not everybody is talking about

Leon, northern Spain. It’s vibrant, it’s authentic and there is hardly a tourist in sight.

The ancient city of Leon sits in a less-frequented corner of Spain, just two hours away from Madrid by train.

A quick search on Google throws up not much more than a few articles about the famous Camino de Santiago where it serves as a significant stopover. But among the Spanish, it is celebrated for its exceptional gastronomy, deep-rooted history and striking Gothic architecture.

The Kingdom of León was founded more than 1,000 years ago in 910 and became a hub for trading gold.

It was once the most important kingdoms throughout the Iberian Peninsula and covered what is now the north west region of Spain.

For those looking to get off the beaten track in Spain, here are four reasons to make Leon your next city escape.

Santa Maria de Leon Cathedral

When exploring the centre of Leon, this cathedral is the place to start. The gothic stone building is more than 800 years old and is built on top of what used to be Roman thermal baths.

Inside, you’ll find 1,800 sqm (19,375 sqft) of stain-glassed windows. A popular favourite feature is the rose window to the west of the cathedral, which comprises rich blue and purple glass panels.

Catch a special glimpse of the stain-glass lit up at night on weekends between midnight and 2am.

Leon’s food scene

Tapas in Leon, Spain

Tapas is enjoyed throughout Spain but I have not felt its prevalence anywhere quite like in Leon.

The small dishes are delicious, no matter which taberna you stumble upon. Prices are reasonable and many dishes are even offered as complimentary, such as the jamon and manchego cheese tostada pictured right.

All this makes it very possible to enjoy an evening of drinks and tapas for no more than €15 to €20 per head.

If you’d like to experience the tapas scene like a local, head out to eat at 10pm and you’ll finish just in time to catch the cathedral illuminated in all its glory on your way home.

Convento de San Marcos

San Marcos Leon, Spain

Once you have marvelled at León’s cathedral, next on the list is the Convento de San Marcos. The former monastery and hospital is super wide, stretching the length of the plaza it frames.

The building is now a parador, or luxury hotel, and includes a museum and church.

Just a short walk away is the Basilica de San Isidoro in the city’s old quarter, which is a car free zone.

Gaudí in Leon

Gaudí fans will know that Barcelona is not the only city where the famous architect left his mark.

Leon is home to Casa Botines which he designed in the late 1800s and now stands on the edge of the city’s old quarter. The fairytale-esque building, which now houses a museum dedicated to Gaudí, is one of only three that he built outside of Catalonia.

He was working on another project – Episcopal Palace in nearby Astorga – when construction began.

For more information, visit the Leon Tourist Information Office.

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