Church of Saint Marcellus (Leon)
The Church of St. Marcellus is located in the centre of Leon in the homonymous square, which is also popularly known as Pigeon Square. Together with Botines House and Guzmanes Palace, it is considered one of the most monumental constructions in the city.
The enormous heritage importance of the church is due to the fact that it is suspected of being the oldest temple in Leon. However, the first official documentation places it in the 12th century.
The temple, small in size and quadrangular, presents an architectural design with a basilica plan built with ashlar stone where three naves are located along with Tuscan pilasters, various types of vaults and side chapels.
Although it is a relatively simple temple, architecturally speaking, the Church of St. Marcellus presents great artistic wealth characterized by an important collection of pieces and ornamental carvings, such as its beautifully carved 18th-century Churrigueresque main altarpiece, a representation of Christ of Balderas in a chapel and another of St. Marcellus.
Other artistic works of great value are the image of the Immaculate Conception, attributed to the famous artist Gregorio Fernández, a 17th-century casket made of carved silver by Hernando de Arguello, another silver casket housing the relics of St. Ramiro, also by Arguello, a beautiful image of St. Martha, created in 1947 by Víctor de los Ríos, and four chandeliers belonging to the Council of Trent.
The enormous heritage importance of the church is due to the fact that it is suspected of being the oldest temple in Leon. However, the first official documentation places it in the 12th century.
The temple, small in size and quadrangular, presents an architectural design with a basilica plan built with ashlar stone where three naves are located along with Tuscan pilasters, various types of vaults and side chapels.
Although it is a relatively simple temple, architecturally speaking, the Church of St. Marcellus presents great artistic wealth characterized by an important collection of pieces and ornamental carvings, such as its beautifully carved 18th-century Churrigueresque main altarpiece, a representation of Christ of Balderas in a chapel and another of St. Marcellus.
Other artistic works of great value are the image of the Immaculate Conception, attributed to the famous artist Gregorio Fernández, a 17th-century casket made of carved silver by Hernando de Arguello, another silver casket housing the relics of St. Ramiro, also by Arguello, a beautiful image of St. Martha, created in 1947 by Víctor de los Ríos, and four chandeliers belonging to the Council of Trent.
Location
What to see in Leon
