León Cathedral
Catedral de Santa María de León
The “Cathedral of Light,” with about 1,800 square metres of medieval stained glass that makes it the peak of Spanish Gothic architecture.
León Cathedral was built in the 13th and 14th centuries in a Gothic style inspired by cathedrals such as Reims in France. Stained glass replaces most of the walls. The roughly 1,800 square metres of glass, most of it original medieval work, fill the interior with coloured light when the sun shines through. This is why it is called the “Cathedral of Light.” The three western portals are richly carved, and the cathedral has a museum and cloister. Admission costs about €9 and includes an audio guide. A rooftop walkway tour is available as an add-on. The cathedral is an important stop on the Camino Francés pilgrimage and sits in the northern part of the old town.
Opening hours
Approx. 09:30–13:30 and 16:00–19:00 (all day in summer; Sunday morning service)
Nearby sights
- Plaza Mayor
- Barrio Húmedo
- Walls of León
- Casa Botines
- Basilica of San Isidoro & Royal Pantheon
- Plaza del Grano
- Museum of León
- Convent of San Marcos