Discovering La Pulchra Leonina And The Origins Of The City

You leave Gijón to travel the barely 150 kilometers that separate the coastal town from the beautiful city of León, a pleasant drive along the mythical Ruta de la Plata highway that connects the north of Spain with the southern part.

On the way to León, make a short stop in the town of Mieres to contemplate the beautiful Plaza de Requexu (Plaza San Juan), an area without traffic where the Monument to the Escanciador, old houses with galleries and restaurants full of tradition where you can buy Asturian products stand out.

The village of Bustiello, built between 1890 and 1925 by the Sociedad Hullera Española, is an exception within the extensive Asturian industrial heritage. During those years, a church, casino, school, sanatorium and lodgings for engineers and workers were built. The Interpretation Center exhibits the geological and industrial importance of the mining basin and the characteristics of the town from different perspectives.
Hours: Wednesday - Sunday: 11:00-14:30, 16:00-18:30. Monday and Tuesday: Closed
Visit their web for more information.

Park your car at the hotel where you will rest at the end of this exciting day. León is an ideal city to explore on foot and enjoy each of its beautiful corners full of history.

This temple of Catholic worship, episcopal see of the diocese of León, is also known as the cathedral of Santa María de Regla or Pulchra leonina (Beautiful Leonesa). Located in the middle of the Camino de Santiago, it is one of the great works of Gothic style, and inside you can admire one of the largest collections of medieval stained glass windows in the world.
Cathedral opening hours:
October - April: Monday - Saturday: 9:30-13:30, 16:00-19:00 Sundays and holidays: 9:30-11:30, 13:00-15:00
May - September: Monday - Saturday: 9:30-13:30, 16:00-20:00 Sundays and holidays: 9:30-11:30, 15:00-20:00
Visit their web for more information.

In addition to works by renowned Spanish artists such as Juan de Juni, Enrique de Arfe or Nicolás Francés, do not miss the imposing Chapter Staircase, made by Juan de Badajoz el Mozo, the Mudejar Cupboard or the Mozarabic Antiphonary.
Cloister and museum opening hours:
October - April: Monday - Saturday: 9:30-13:30, 16:00-19:00 Sundays and holidays: 10:00-15:00
May - September: Monday - Saturday: 9:30-13:30, 16:00-20:00 Sundays and holidays: 10:00-13:00, 15:30-20:00

In this emblematic restaurant from León you can taste the best traditional cuisine in a rustic and cozy atmosphere. Located in the heart of the Barrio Húmedo, its long and interesting history includes a 14th century inn.
In its menu, Leonese sausages, Bierzo peppers, homemade croquettes, fresh fish, red meats or braised suckling pig.
Opening hours: Monday: 13:30-15:30 Tuesday: 13:30-15:30 Wednesday: 13:30-15:30 Thursday - Saturday: 13:30-15:30, 20:30-23:30 Sunday: Closed
Visit their web for more information.

This impressive modernist building, built between 1891 and 1892, bears the signature of the architect Antoni Gaudí, and is one of his three works outside Catalonia, along with the Episcopal Palace of Astorga (León) and El Capricho de Comillas, in Cantabria.
The museum's permanent exhibition covers three floors and is dedicated to the history of the Casa Botines, Antoni Gaudí and the Fundos collection.
Opening hours: Monday - Sunday: 10:00-21:00
Visit their web for more information.

The Museum of León is one of the best ways to take the pulse of the city. Its permanent exhibition offers a complete overview of the history, culture and heritage of the province.
Opening hours: Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00-14:00, 16:00-19:00 (October to June) or 17:00 to 20:00 (July to September). Sundays and public holidays: 10:00-14:00 Monday: Closed

Take a short break before continuing this interesting route through León. Recently renovated, Lumiere is, in addition to hotel and restaurant, a cafeteria with exquisite and modern decoration.

Born in Burgos, but from Leon by adoption, he defined himself as a "peasant painter". Located in the Casona del Corral de Villapérez, very close to the cathedral, this foundation offers a wide selection of works from the different stages of the painter and muralist José Vela Zanetti, as well as photographs and documents that help to get a more complete view of his life.
Hours:
Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00-13:00, 17:00-19:00. Sundays and holidays: Closed

Although it has later additions from the twelfth to fifteenth centuries, the walls of León correspond to the Roman fence built between the first and fourth centuries. Today, an original gate still remains on the north side of the enclosure, the Porta Decumana. Renamed Puerta del Castillo or Arco de la Cárcel, this iconic image of León will transport you back in time.

Make the Plaza de las Torres de Omaña the starting point for this beautiful walk through the so-called Romantic Quarter, where throughout history a large number of manor houses of the León nobility have been concentrated due to its proximity to the surroundings of San Isidoro, where the infantado and royalty settled.

To think of León is to think of its generous tapas (served for free with every drink). You can't miss one of the most famous of the city, the spicy potatoes of Bar La Ribera. Also don't miss their tripe, sweetbreads or mussels in sauce.
Opening hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday: 10:30-16:30, 20:00-24:00. Tuesday: Closed Friday: 10:30-16:30, 20:00-1:00 Saturday: 13:00-16:30

Travel back in time again, this time to the Middle Ages, visiting the most beautiful square in León. Of medieval origin, it was the site of the old grain market and other agricultural products and tools. Its pavement is the oldest preserved in the city.

The best seasonal products from León in dishes designed to share are waiting for you at El Racimo de Oro. We strongly recommend Cecina de León I.G.P., cured beef tongue and puff pastry with leeks from Sahagún. Accompany it with some of the excellent wines of Bierzo, if possible, in its charming wine cellar on the first floor.
Opening hours: Monday - Sunday: 12:30-17:00, 20:00-1:00.
Visit their web for more information.

Time to rest in this centrally located hotel in the Plaza Mayor. Tomorrow many more corners of León await you.