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Basílica de San Isidoro de León

4 Plaza San Isidoro, León, Castilla y León

Description

The Basilica of San Isidoro is a church built in the 10th century in León. The style is predominantly Romanesque and artistically expressed in the mural paintings of the Royal Pantheon, a funeral chapel for the kings of León. Other highlights include the sculpted entrance portal and the Main Chapel altarpiece. The museum contains several treasures such as the “Ivory casket” and jewelled calices. There is also a library holding 300 medieval books and 800 parchments.

Access & Transport

The basilica is located in the city centre, just to the north of the Barrio Humedo. Buses L16 and L13 stop next to it on Calle Ramón Y Cajal. The train station is 500m away.

Instructions & Recommendations

We suggest combining this monument with an exploration of the Barrio Húmedo, the Plaza del Grano, and a visit of the Casa Botines.

Meta review

The basilica makes the shortlist of travel guides and blogs, it also garners excellent online reviews, not so much for the church but for the Royal Pantheon, the real artistic highlight although the self-branding as the "Sistine Chapel of Romanesque Art" can only make one smile given the difference in magnitude with the Vatican reference. Some of the museum artefacts such as the chalices also draw good comments but not the antiquated curation or the staff's friendliness.

Environmental & Social

We deem this attraction environmental neutral. Part of the city's artistic and architectural heritages

Conclusion

The Basílica de San Isidoro de León is nowhere as exceptional as the Catedral de León but religious art enthusiasts will delight in its artefacts collection and the rare example of contiguous Romanesque murals contained in such a compact space as the Royal Pantheon.

Key positive

Visually striking Romanesque mural paintings

Imposing and ornate façade

Key negative

None

Suitability

Only partial accessibility for wheelchair users. No religious denomination restrictions

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

August 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Closed on 25 Dec, 01 Jan, 06 Jan and other religious holidays

av. transport time:0h 15m

est. visit time:1h 15m

Regulated hours
Period 1

MONDAY -

TUESDAY10:00 - 14:00

WEDNESDAY10:00 - 14:00

THURSDAY10:00 - 14:00

FRIDAY10:00 - 14:00

SATURDAY10:00 - 14:00

SUNDAY10:00 - 14:00

Period 2

MONDAY -

TUESDAY16:00 - 19:00

WEDNESDAY16:00 - 19:00

THURSDAY17:00 - 19:00

FRIDAY17:00 - 19:00

SATURDAY17:00 - 19:00

SUNDAY -

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
€6
Adult
12 - 64
€6
Child
3 - 11
€0
Infant
0 - 2
€0

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