Rest day in Leon

Monday 13th June 2022 Day 23

Leon seemed like a city where there was a lot to see, so we took a rest day. This is our hotel in Plaza Mayor at 745 in the morning as we set off to go sightseeing. The afternoons are too hot so we need to do everything by noon!

We went past the side of the cathedral in search of the medieval city walls.

They are not well signposted but we managed to find a lot of them. Most have been incorporated into housing. There was a big stretch where the road and base of the walls were being renovated, good to see them being looked after. Not really any that we could walk on which is always a disappointment!

Then to the river where they have a nice signposted walk. And up by the Parador. Now a very fancy hotel it is one of the most iconic renaissance buildings in Spain. Formerly the hospital of San Marcos it was started in 1515. We had to wait while some pilgrims bus got out of the way so that we could take photos. I found myself feeling a bit smug as we had walked so far and they looked like tourists. But that’s not very charitable so I tried to be nice instead!

Then over to the Gaudi museum for a good look around. It was built just before he started the Sagrada Familia and is wonderful. His attention to detail and innovative thoughts on air circulation, room lighting and decoration are stunning! It made us think we needed to go back to Barcelona!

By now it was 130, baking hot and we had done enough sightseeing! So we found an amazing little bar, had a cold beer and tapas then retired for a siesta.

I must mention the street art, it has been a revelation everywhere in Spain. Why are we not able to do this in the UK? Here is a small selection from Leon.

Later we had a lovely dinner, fresh tomato salad and a plate of cheese! Wonderful!