Parador de León

The origins of the building date back to the 12th century, in the time of Alfonso VII of León. His sister, the Infanta Sancha of Castile, made a donation in July 1152 to build a modest building on the outskirts of the walled city, on the banks of the Bernesga, where the poor of Christ could stay. This was to be a hospital-temple of refuge for pilgrims traveling the Camino de Santiago. The building was also the main residence of the Order of Santiago in the Kingdom of León. In the 16th century, the medieval building was in poor condition, so it was demolished and a new work was carried out thanks to a concession from King Ferdinand in 1514. Between 1514 and 1715 the Renaissance reconstruction was carried out under the auspices of the Order of Santiago, directed by architects such as Juan de Badajoz el Mozo and Gaspar de la Peña. Since 1986 it has housed the Parador de León.

The Convent of San Marcos is one of the most important monuments of the Renaissance in Spain and one of the greatest architectural jewels of León, along with the Cathedral, the Basilica of San Isidoro and the Casa Botines. In the 16th century, during the reign of Charles V, important reconstruction works were carried out that gave it its present Plateresque style, so called because of its intricate detailing reminiscent of the work of a silversmith (silver in Spanish). The convent church has a Latin cross plan. The sacristy, the work of Juan de Badajoz el Mozo, has 3 starred vaults. Also his are the medallions that decorate the Renaissance and Baroque cloister. Some statues and medallions on the façade represent Jacobean motifs, recalling its function as a pilgrims' hospital.

The Parador is located on the banks of the Bernesga River, in the Plaza de San Marcos, a few minutes walk from the Gothic Cathedral of Leon with its impressive stained glass windows and the old town. The building is part of the Camino de Santiago route through the city. The Basilica of San Isidoro, with its Royal Pantheon known as the Sistine Chapel of Romanesque architecture, is nearby. Gaudí's Casa Botines completes the city's monumental ensemble.