León
León will be the starting point for this experience, and the 5* Parador de San Marcos – a Gothic masterpiece – is where we’ll begin our journey.
León is one of those cities that captivates you from the moment you set foot in it, where history, culture and gastronomy blend in equal measure. The Roman camp from which the city originated was inhabited from the 1st to the 5th century AD. At this point, the legions withdrew to protect the empire’s borders, and little by little what had been a military settlement transformed into a city that would eventually become a kingdom. The city’s skyline is dominated by the majestic León Cathedral (the Pulchra Leonina), a Gothic masterpiece renowned for its spectacular stained-glass windows that bathe the interior in an almost magical light. But the historical journey does not end there: the Basilica of Saint Isidore awaits you with its Royal Pantheon, considered the ‘Sistine Chapel of the Romanesque’, whilst the impressive Plateresque façade of the Hostal de San Marcos will take your breath away.
Beyond its monuments, the true soul of León can be felt in its streets. The famous Barrio Húmedo and the neighbouring Barrio Romántico are the epicentre of Spanish tapas culture. Here, tradition reigns supreme: with every shot, glass of wine or beer, the bars treat you to a generous free tapa. From the iconic cecina and morcón to the potatoes prepared according to a strict local recipe, every corner is a feast for the palate.
A key stop on the Way of St James, León is the ideal destination for a weekend break or the starting point for exploring a province brimming with natural beauty.
