Convento de San Marcos, León
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Convento de San Marcos - by José Luis Filpo Cabana (CC BY 3.0)
Description
The Convent of San Marcos was built in the 16th century in Leon. The main highlight is its wide façade designed in Plateresque style whilst the church is of late Hispanic Gothic style. Infamously, the complex was used as a jail (and more) during the Spanish civil war. Most of the building is now operated as a Parador, a luxury hotel.
Access & Transport
The convent is 1km northwest of the city centre, by the riverside. The train station is 600m to the east and bus lines L11, L12, L13 stop at the roundabout next to it, along Av. de los Reyes Leoneses.
Instructions & Recommendations
If you are into contemporary art, MUSAC is a 10mins' walk away towards the north.
Environmental & Social
The church and cloister are environmentally neutral whereas the Parador operations are outside the scope of this review though the reconversion does help to preserve the architectural and artistic heritages of the city.
Conclusion
The Convento de San Marcos is only a convent in name and there is little to visit but what you can see is one of the best examples of Spanish Renaissance architecture in the region. Well worth the short detour from the historical centre even if only for a few minutes and pictures.
Key positive
Impressive façade
Key negative
Not that much to see besides the façade
Suitability
No restrictions
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
August 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 20m
est. visit time:1h
Start of Season 1:Oct, 01
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
MONDAY -
TUESDAY16:00 - 19:00
WEDNESDAY16:00 - 19:00
THURSDAY16:00 - 19:00
FRIDAY16:00 - 19:00
SATURDAY16:00 - 19:00
SUNDAY -
Start of Season 2:Jul, 01
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
MONDAY -
TUESDAY17:00 - 20:00
WEDNESDAY17:00 - 20:00
THURSDAY17:00 - 20:00
FRIDAY17:00 - 20:00
SATURDAY17:00 - 20:00
SUNDAY -