Leon means Lion in Spanish but the name of the town does not come from the animal, it comes from Rome's V11 Legio (legion), which was stationed here in 68 AD. Leon grew prosperous from the gold trade that passed through the town and in 910 became the capital of the Kingdom of Leon and took an active part in the conquest of the Moors. In 1188 it was the first in Europe to hold a democratic Parliament developing laws protecting its citizens. Today, it is still a capitol but of the Province of Leon, a much smaller area.
The day was cold, windy and raining when we arrived which did not help in our enjoyment of exploring the town. However, after checking in we unpacked some warmer clothes, layered up and headed out. It was not as interesting as we had hoped but I think the weather had a lot to do with our disposition.
Casa de Botines is only one of three Gaudi architectural works outside of Catalonia. Built in 1893 for a wealthy textile company owner who wanted his warehouse and residence combined. Today its owned by a bank and is not open to visitors.
Santa Maria de Leon Cathedral is the third to be built on this site and was completed in 1280 after only 50 years of construction.
Part of the remaining Roman fortified walls that were built in the 1st century BC and enlarged in the 3rd and 4th centuries AD.
The day was cold, windy and raining when we arrived which did not help in our enjoyment of exploring the town. However, after checking in we unpacked some warmer clothes, layered up and headed out. It was not as interesting as we had hoped but I think the weather had a lot to do with our disposition.
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