Leon, Spain

Leon is the northernmost province of Castile and is geographically one of the most diverse provinces in all of Spain. In 913, several Christian princes seceded from the Kingdom of Asturias and merged into a new kingdom centered on the city of Leon, which lasted until 1230, when it merged with the Kingdom of Castile in the so-called Castilian crown.
Leon is a city with high mountains, steep cliffs, valleys full of lakes and flat plains irrigated by many rivers. This lively and attractive city is easy to see. One of the places worth visiting in Leon is Parador de Leon - one of the jewels of the city. This majestic building was originally built to house the worshipers of Santiago. In the 15th century it was turned into a monastery, in the 17th century it served as a prison, and during the Spanish Civil War it was used as a barracks. Today it is one of the most impressive buildings in Spain, and part of it is used for the Archaeological Museum of the city, which is worth a visit.
No less interesting is the Cathedral of Leon, founded by Alfonso IX, whose towers have long served as a landmark for pilgrims on the way to Santiago. An amazing Gothic cathedral, a masterpiece of art, built from the XIII to the end of the XIV century, with two tall towers covered with beautiful sculptures. The windows of the cathedral have a beautiful tall stained glass window illuminated at night. The cathedral museum has an interesting collection of paintings and sculptures. The Basilica de San Isodoro is a Romanesque church from the 11th century. It is an interesting museum with sculptures, works of art, medieval fabrics and the majestic Royal Pantheon - a royal pantheon where 23 kings and queens of Leon and 12 princes and princesses are buried together and whose high arches are covered with beautiful paintings.
The Palacio de los Gusmanes, one of the most beautiful Renaissance houses in Leon, cannot be overlooked. Its imposing building adorns the cityscape from 1560, when architect Rodrigo Hill de Ontagnon turned his drawings into reality. Anthony Gaudi also left his handwriting in Leon, endowing it with the pseudo-medieval castle of Casa de Botines.
Among the museums and cathedrals should not be missed and an impressive modern art gallery with an exhibition of famous Spanish and international artists. Every year the museum hosts FIMA, an international music festival.