Basilica of Saint Isidore (Leon)
The Basilica of St. Isidore is a monumental architectural complex in the Romanesque style that has a cultural, patrimonial and artistic heritage of enormous importance. Its construction and constant renovations lasted from the 11th century to the 13th century.
Much of its importance lies in the fact that it is one of the few temples that preserve, almost intact, an enormous amount of Romanesque sumptuary relics. In addition, it presents a Royal Pantheon in front, with a splendid Romanesque mural accompanied by capitals, also intact from the period.
At the time of its construction, the basilica was dedicated to St. Pelagius in an area where the ruins of a Roman temple were located in ancient times. However, after the remains of St. Isidore were transferred to this temple, the ownership was changed in his honour.
Among other details that make the basilica so interesting are the original Romanesque vestiges and its Pantheon, as well as the doors on its south façade, called the Puerta del Perdón, the Puerta del Cordero and the Puerta del Norte. All these details demonstrate the influence of the Romanesque style that appeared in Leon at the time.
Like many other monumental and long-construction temples, the Basilica of St. Isidore also presents a multitude of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque period details.
Given the immense patrimonial, artistic and historical importance of the basilica, it was declared a Historic-Artistic Monument in 1910.
Much of its importance lies in the fact that it is one of the few temples that preserve, almost intact, an enormous amount of Romanesque sumptuary relics. In addition, it presents a Royal Pantheon in front, with a splendid Romanesque mural accompanied by capitals, also intact from the period.
At the time of its construction, the basilica was dedicated to St. Pelagius in an area where the ruins of a Roman temple were located in ancient times. However, after the remains of St. Isidore were transferred to this temple, the ownership was changed in his honour.
Among other details that make the basilica so interesting are the original Romanesque vestiges and its Pantheon, as well as the doors on its south façade, called the Puerta del Perdón, the Puerta del Cordero and the Puerta del Norte. All these details demonstrate the influence of the Romanesque style that appeared in Leon at the time.
Like many other monumental and long-construction temples, the Basilica of St. Isidore also presents a multitude of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque period details.
Given the immense patrimonial, artistic and historical importance of the basilica, it was declared a Historic-Artistic Monument in 1910.
Location
What to see in Leon
