It is easy to take an all-around view of the attractive and lively León. The larger part of the old historic city (Casco Viejo) , surrounded by stone walls, is a pedestrian zone. The already started reconstruction works will turn it into an even more-impressive sight. The historic buildings, which at present day house restaurants, bars and hotel apartments, are taking over Barrio Húmedo. The contemporary city enlarges in a western direction along the banks of the River Bernesga but its population is not more than 150 000.

From far away you can see the sharp towers of the huge Cathedral, commenced by Alfonso IX. For centuries long they have been an important landmark for the tired pilgrims on their long way to Santiago de Compostela. You will be definitely stunned by the splendid interior of this Gothic master piece, built in the period from the middle of the 13th century to the end of the 14th century. It has more than one hundred windows of beautiful stain glass. The extremely difficult restoration works have been almost finished. The most enchanting view can be enjoyed in the late afternoon when the rays of light penetrate through the rose-window above the delightfully decorated with sculptures western portal. You should see the Renaissance choir with four alabaster reliefs by Juan de Badajoz, the Gothic tombs in the chapels at the covered gallery and the paintings behind the main altar.

Your breath will be taken by the huge size and simplicity of the tall vaults of the transept, but the gallery is not less impressive too. Its entrance is through a portal performed in Plateresque style, which turns to the museum. The frescoes by Nicolas Frances and the 16th-century stone vaults emphasize the monumental effect of the inner patio. The most interesting exponents in the museum are the collection of ancient Coptic Christian fabrics from 4th to 7th centuries, Chinese cloths and exquisitely embroidered archbishop's mantle from the Philippines.

The Basilica of San Isidoro is built right next to the ancient Roman fortification ramparts in the northern end of the old town. Its architectural style is not as harmonious as this of the Cathedral, because the construction works were started in the far 11th century and completed much later, in the Baroque 17th century. The most attractive parts of the basilica are the Royal Pantheon (Panteón de los Reyes) and the museum, showing an appropriately selected exhibition. Among the exponents you will see 300 rare medieval books, the incrusted with gold agate chalice of Doña Urraca (11th century) and the silver casket with the relics of San Isidoro, brought here from Seville and inspired the construction of the basilica.

A winding staircase will lead you to the vaulted Panteón de los Reyes, where are kept the sarcophagi of 23 kings and queens. Unique frescoes from 12th century completely cover the surface of the gracefully carved capitals of the columns. They depict not only the Secret Supper but also scenes from the very day life of this time. In the gallery are shown photos of Romanesque architectural monuments in the region.

Between the Cathedra and the Basilica of San Isidoro is located Palacio de los Guzmanes - one of the most handsome Renaissance palaces in Castile and Leon. It was completed by the architect Rodrigo Gil de Hontañón in 1560. The building has 3 storeys around a typical for the region inner patio, complicated angle towers and numerous carved heraldic symbols of noble families on its walls. Today the palace houses municipal offices. Right opposite the Palacio de los Guzmanes is the strange Casa de Botines. This is a pseudo-medieval castle, designed by the famous architect Antonio Gaudí.

Another important sight in León is the Renaissance Convento de San Marcos, situated west of the old town, on the bank of the River Bernesga. The sumptuously decorated façade of this enormous structure is more than 100 m long. Behind it you will find a parador, a church with a vaulted gallery and the city's archaeological museum. Its exhibition shows a beautiful Visigothic marble statue of Jesus and a 10th-century cross incrusted with jewellery.

The remarkable caves and rock formations Cuevas de Valporquero are situated 47 km north of León, in a mountainous region, rich of woods and beautiful waterfalls. The humidity in the large underground cave halls with stalactites and stalagmites is over 90% and the constant temperature during the summer and the winter is 7°.