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16th century monastery (5*)
The Parador de León is one of the biggest jewels of the city of León and one of the most important Renaissance buildings in Spain. Construction on the original building began in the 12th century thanks to a donation from the Infanta Doña Sancha, and the building was subsequently enlarged by Fernando el Catolico. The Plateresque façade of this impressive monastery is eye-catching and you will no doubt be drawn to its intricate decoration, with medallions and statues mixed with Xacobean motifs (of Saint James of Santiago) and figures from the classical ages. The cloister was built between the 16th and 18th century and a hidden library is housed in the upstairs cloister with a balcony, with choir and church views, parts of this dating back to 1537 and 1543.
The building has served several different roles in its time, including as a prison, hospital and pilgrim’s hostal, and is a recognised route marker for the Camino de Santiago. It is well worth joining an organised tour to discover the historical significance of the building and its development over the centuries (this can be arranged in the Parador’s reception). Such is its celebrity that the façade of the Parador de León is often used as a backdrop for televised news reports and it has featured in several films, most recently 'The Way' with Martin Sheen.
Today, the Hostal San Marcos is home to the 5-star Parador de León and offers its guests a chance to sojourn in one of Spain's most important historical monuments. The Parador's interiors reflect its rich history with exposed stone walls, beautifully preserved stone staircases and inviting cloisters. Numerous works of art and decorative elements grace the interior of León’s Parador. These include paintings from the Flemish school, tapestries, sideboards, as well as works by contemporary artists such as Lucio Muñoz, Vela Zanetti, Redondela, Álvaro Delgado, Ochoa, and Vaquero Turcios.
Bedrooms are bright and decorated in clean muted colours with modern bathroom fittings. The interior patio with its well-tended hedges offers an opportunity to relax in a green space and guests can enjoy a drink and bar snacks on the outdoor terrace. The Parador's large, open restaurant offers views onto the terrace and serves an array of local and international fare.
Keytours Tips
León is a municipality located in the north west of the Iberian peninsula, capital of the province and the autonomous community of Castile and León. Founded as the Roman military camp of Legio VI Victrix in 29 B.C., its establishment was consolidated by the final settlement of the Legio VII Gemina from 74 A.D. The settlement became the head of the Kingdom of León in 910, actively taking part in the ‘Reconquista’ against the Moorish rulers, becoming one of the fundamental cities to help shape the kingdoms of Spain. In the War of Independence León was one of the first Spanish cities to rise, and a few years after the end of the war in 1833, its rank rose to provincial capital.
León is the perfect spot for lovers of architecture as you can easily walk through the city and spot countless historical buildings such as the Pulchra Leonina Gothic Cathedral (built on the site of the Roman Baths, it was formerly a Royal Palace and the first Romanesque Cathedral in all Spain), the San Isidoro Basilica (which is a museum and a Pantheon), the Botines House (one of only two Gaudí buildings outside of Catalonia), and the Palace of the Guzmán family.
León is also home to of the most outstanding Easter processions in Spain and it is an indispensable step on the Camino de Santiago.
Restaurant Opening Times:
Breakfast: 7.30 to 11.00
Lunch: 13.30 to 15.30
Dinner: 20.30 to 23.00. It may be possible to arrive up to 22.00 and still enjoy a meal.
Cafe/bar is open from 11.00 until 23.30 serving bar snacks and lighter dishes.
The Parador is located in the Plaza de San Marcos, next to the bridge of the same name over the river Bernesga. From Madrid it can be reached along the main N-VI road, after passing Valladolid and Benavente, at 130 and 66 km respectively. From Oviedo (120 km), it is reached by the N-632 or along the A-6 motorway.
There is a sizeable car park controlled by a security barrier behind the Parador.
The largest of Spain's 17 Autonomous Communities, Castilla y León is unsurprisingly home to some of the countries most important cities, historic cultural sites and and 15 Paradors, so you can plan a leisurely itinerary across the region.
