Madrid

SAN MARCOS SQUARE

by Hosell

The first thing that you'll see when you leave the Park of Condesa de Sagasta is this beautiful building of Parador de San Marcos,it is located in the square of same name,is a nice and big square,at the end of the building you'll find a smaller one,don't miss a visit there is Leon Museum.

When in León, try to visit El...

by bagauda

When in León, try to visit El Bierzo county. Places like Ponferrada (with a wonderful Medieval castle)or the Roman mine of Las Medulas (Unesco's awarded as Humanity's heritage). Santiago de Peñalba is also a wonderful little village you must not miss.

Valencia de Don Juan

by SirRichard

The last day we stopped on our way back in a little village south of Leon, called Valencia de Don Juan. It's not an outstanding location, but it's got a nice medieval castle, partly ruined, that can be visited...

La Ciudad Azul---The Blue City

by pabertra

Leon is a lovely little town that lies in the north of Spain in the Castilla y Leon region. Represented by images of lions this town is proud of its historical heritage. The city got its name from the word legio, which the Roman Legion gave it in AD 68. Leon was also an important defense point against Moorish invaders during La Reconquista. The town is famous for its cathedral, which is arguably one of the most beautiful in Spain. The interior boasts huge, blue stained glass windows that have earned it the nickname The Blue City. Leon also boasts one of the few buildings, by Catalonian Architect, Antoni Gaudi, that lies outside of Barcelona. Leon has been an intermediate stop on the Camino de Santiago since the Middle Ages and if you pay attention you will see the golden shells built into the sidewalk as you walk along.

Some of the great things about Leon were all the little cafes with vintage posters, the fantastic shopping that abounded, and the completely untouristed market.

What made this trip great? Well I met a lovely woman, named Alicia, from Jersey in the Channel Islands months before when I was traveling in Cordoba. We sat and talked for a few hours and really hit it off and exchanged emails. We semi seriously joked about her coming to see me in Salamanca later in the year. A few months down the road and she was in Salamanca visiting me! We made this trip to Leon during her stay and it made for incredible memories! Don't you just LOVE when you meet great people like this? I do and before long I will be on my way to Jersey to visit her!