Convent of Saint Mark (Leon)
Considered one of the jewels of Leonese architecture, the Convent of St. Mark is among the greatest heritage tourist attractions due to its splendid beauty, monumental dimensions and importance during the Spanish Renaissance.
The convent dates back to the 12th century and served as a traveling hospice for pilgrims traveling the Way of St. James, as well as a temple-hospital.
After several centuries, the architectural complex was in very poor condition. In the 16th century, it was demolished, and its main façade and sculptural complex were rebuilt. The choir was added, as was a sacristy, and a series of exquisite artistic and sculptural details was added to its interior.
In addition to its splendid façade, the convent presents a sublime Plateresque-style doorway along with Baroque elements that include medallions with biblical passages, a symbolic high relief of the battle of Clavijo and other details, such as the opening and the heraldry of St. James and Leon.
In the 16th century, a separate cloister was included in two sections decorated with bas-reliefs and artistic details, as was the church, which presents a late Gothic style and is exquisitely decorated throughout its wide and spacious nave.
The history of the convent was particularly turbulent, as it was used interchangeably in a series of ways removed from its religious function.
Starting in the 17th century, it was used as a prison, provincial museum, study house, prison hospital, army general staff office, cavalry barracks and warehouse for stallions.
Today it has been converted into a Parador de Turismo, as well as a consecrated church and a monumental annex to the Museum of Leon.
The convent dates back to the 12th century and served as a traveling hospice for pilgrims traveling the Way of St. James, as well as a temple-hospital.
After several centuries, the architectural complex was in very poor condition. In the 16th century, it was demolished, and its main façade and sculptural complex were rebuilt. The choir was added, as was a sacristy, and a series of exquisite artistic and sculptural details was added to its interior.
In addition to its splendid façade, the convent presents a sublime Plateresque-style doorway along with Baroque elements that include medallions with biblical passages, a symbolic high relief of the battle of Clavijo and other details, such as the opening and the heraldry of St. James and Leon.
In the 16th century, a separate cloister was included in two sections decorated with bas-reliefs and artistic details, as was the church, which presents a late Gothic style and is exquisitely decorated throughout its wide and spacious nave.
The history of the convent was particularly turbulent, as it was used interchangeably in a series of ways removed from its religious function.
Starting in the 17th century, it was used as a prison, provincial museum, study house, prison hospital, army general staff office, cavalry barracks and warehouse for stallions.
Today it has been converted into a Parador de Turismo, as well as a consecrated church and a monumental annex to the Museum of Leon.
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What to see in Leon
