LEON

 LEON:

Today I had enough energy to get out and see the city. Thanks to Antonia, one of our students who is a nurse, I have had some good care (along with several others in the group that have gotten ill). 

This is another of my favorite cities in Spain. It has one of the most beautiful Cathedrals following the French Gothic. It opened in 1205. Here is the exterior and interior:

Main doors

This is found just above the tomb of Ordoño II (d. 924). In the scene we see in the upper portion the resurrected Christ. Below to the left is a scene not found in traditional Christian histories. It is said that the man who was tasked with piercing the Savior's side with a spear was named Longinus, who was blind. According to legend when Longinus pierces his side the blood from his side drizzles down lance onto his hand. He reaches up to wipe the blood from his hand and it touches his eyes; curing him of his blindness.

This is a rare example of a pregnant Virgin. Note how she gently caresses her womb.

Below are windows that are characteristic of French gothic cathedrals.

This is one of the most venerated images of the Virgin in Spain: Nuestra Señora de la Consolación [Our Lady of Consolation]. While I was there a small group of older women stood there praying out loud; later a young girl preparing for first communion was there with her mother taking pictures. Both were very sweet moments where expressions of faith were seen and heard.

While waiting for the taxi to take us to Astorga I visited the Basilica of Saint Isidoro (11th Century). It is a beautiful Romanesque building; simple yet striking. Here are some views from outside and inside:

These are mason's marks on the stones. Masons marked their work in order to be paid for their labors.