[Gocamino] Leon Cathedral

[blaroli at aol.com]

Hi Glen,
During the summertime the Leon Cathedral is lit from the inside at midnight.... and it is, indeed, a magnificent sight. While at that time the Cathedral is closed to visitors, at its back there is an open area with outdoor cafes that stay open for the purpose; many Spanish tourists go to Leon just to see the midnight Cathedral lights.
Stunningly beautiful as the inside of the Cathedral is, (it has been often called a "poetic symphony of lights and colors", and even that description, in my view, doesn't do it justice),  the breath-taking contents of its two museums would alone justify a visit to the lovely city. 
-When I was there last Summer I was lucky enough to be directed to a lovely hotel-inn at the Plaza de San Isidoro. While quite inexpensive, the hotel is extremely comfortable and right at the San Isidoro Square, about two short blocks from the Cathedral. The name of the hotel is "Boccalino" and is in the midst of San Isidoro Square , the "El Cid" park, and the Palace of Los Guzmanes which today houses the Palace of Justice.
The address of the hotel is:  Plaza de San Isidoro 1 & 9,  24003 Leon, tel. 987-223-060.
The family that owns the hotel also runs two cafes with tables on the square; the cafes are extremely popular because the food is excellent and the prices quite modest.-
And, of course, the San Isidoro church and museum are right there, all lit up as well and beautiful..
 
Big hug to you all, and the most affectionate wishes for a happy, joyful, and PEACEfull 2007!
 
Rosina
 
 
 
 
 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: Guha2005 at hotmail.com
To: GOCAMINO at oakapple.net; Santiagobis at yahoogroups.com
Cc: Ultreya at yahoogroups.com; saintjames at yahoogroups.com
Sent: Fri, 5 Jan 2007 12:41 PM
Subject: [Gocamino] Leon Cathedral


I recently read the Michener book, Iberia (published about 40 years ago), and in 
it he noted that he saw the Leon Cathedral lit up from within in the early hours 
of the morning when very few other lights were on in the city.  He was taken to 
a vantage point outside the city to take full advantage of the sight.  He said 
that was one of the most marvelous scenes he ever saw in all of his travels.  
Because of how much stained glass there is in that cathedral, it appeared to him 
as though the entire structure was held up by light...one could not see the 
stones that indeed supported the structure.

I was just in it twice in the day time and I must say that it was the most 
impressive structure I was ever in...that is why I returned!  It just felt so 
sacred.
My question is:  do they still light up the Cathedral from the interior to show 
its magnificence to those outside?  Has anyone of you experienced this?
Glenn
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