León, Spain

Located in northwestern Spain, just south of the Cantabrian Mountains, León today boasts a population of 136,500. León is one the most historic resions of Old Castile and within Castilla y León.

León was the capitol of one of the oldest Christian kingdoms which arose in Spain as the Moorish invasion of the 8th century receded. Much of its historical architecture, such as the spectacular cathedral, dates back to the Middle Ages. The church of San Isidoro was founded in 1063. The Knights Templar built castles and fortifications in the Middle Ages. The convent and church of San Marcos were planned in 1514 by Ferdinand the Catholic, and built on the site of a hostel used by pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. The older quarter of teh city, which contains the cathedral and other medieval buildings, are surrounded by walls, and have lost little of their beauty.

León is a very important link by train with Madrid and other important cities in Spain.