A ‘Camino free day’ to explore the weaving streets of Leon. A fascinating city which had, by some texts interpretation the first democracy in Europe and has a church open day and night, a pretty good start in the life of a small city. I thought I’d leave you with a sonnet that speaks to (in my eyes) two vital parts of Leon’s culture: Gothic architecture and freedom:
The Leon Cathedral it stands tall and proud
It may be the worlds’ best if it’s measured by looks
The pale yellow stone has its praises rung loud
Its spires are lauded in all the right books
The stained glass windows hold the people in awe
Their light alters perception at certain times of the day
This great “House of Light” that the people adore
It gives one a feeling: ‘believe now don’t delay’
But just down the alleyways the Ciguena looks out
For San Isodoro a more modest affair
No spirals, small windows the stone appears cold
Few people visit, the metaphors aren’t there
No payment for entry, just a man with a bowl
Open twenty four hours by royal decree
For anyone, anytime, for what a church is meant to be
The Cathedral
The Ciguena looking over San Isodoro
San Isodoro (Ciguena on a pole on far right hand back
