CATHEDRAL OF LEÓN
Dedicated to Saint Mary, it is the archetype of Gothic style in Spain. Its three hollowed levels (arcades, triforium and clerestory) in the stone wall create an optical effect of lightness and elegance. The original stained-glass windows from the 13th to the 16th century are one of the best-preserved in Europe. That is why it is popularly known as the “Pulchra Leonina”, that is, the Beautiful Leonese.
Picture courtesy of the “Asociación de Municipios del Camino de Santiago”.
SAN ISIDORO DE LEÓN
Another of the landmarks of the Camino, this is a magnificent compendium of Romanesque architecture, painting and sculpture. The Pantheon of the Kings is considered the Spanish Sistine Chapel for its 12th-century frescoes. The dimensions of the nave of the church are almost cathedral-like. And the sculptures on the doorways and capitals are among the best in terms of quality to be found along the Camino.
ÓRBIGO BRIDGE
Also called the bridge of “Paso Honroso” (“Honourable Passage”), it is the longest medieval bridge on the Camino: 310 metres. It is associated with the legend of the knight Don Suero de Quiñones, who, willing to show the love he felt for his beloved, challenged anyone who dared to cross it to fight with him.
Picture courtesy of the “Asociación de Municipios del Camino de Santiago”.
CATHEDRAL OF ASTORGA
Alongside those of Salamanca and Segovia, this is one of the last Gothic cathedrals built in Spain. The façade, in fact, is already pure Renaissance style. The variety of vaults that cover the nave and aisles of the temple and the Italian appearance of its cloister are surprising.
EPISCOPAL PALACE OF ASTORGA
Neogothic palace commissioned to Antoni Gaudí in 1887 and completed in 1915. The impressive white granite exterior gives it the appearance of a castle, manor house and temple, all at the same time. Alongside the Casa Botines (León) and El Capricho (Comillas), it is one of the only three Gaudí constructions out of Catalonia.
Picture courtesy of the “Asociación de Municipios del Camino de Santiago”.
CASTRILLO DE LOS POLVAZARES
It is the most representative town of the Maragatería territory, and was declared a Historic-Artistic Site because of its good state of conservation. The typical occupation in this town concerned pack animals, and it was at its peak in the 18th century. Time seems to have stopped in its streets.
TEMPLAR CASTLE OF PONFERRADA
Although the edifice has been rather rebuilt, the Templar castle of Ponferrada was erected on a previous pre-Roman fort. In the mid-12th century, the Order of the Knights Templar decided to create the fortress that we know today. The purpose was to establish a stronghold in Ponferrada that would serve in turn to welcome and provide shelter to the pilgrims doing the Way of Saint James.
Picture courtesy of the “Asociación de Municipios del Camino de Santiago”.
CHURCH OF SANTIAGO IN VILLAFRANCA DEL BIERZO
Romanesque temple from the year 1186, with a magnificent doorway, called the “El Perdón” (“of Forgiveness”), rich in iconography. Pope Callistus III granted sick or disabled pilgrims who passed through this doorway the same indulgences as if they had arrived in Santiago.