León Live Cam

The Kingdom of León was established at the beginning of the 10C, when Ordoño II set up his court in the city and proclaimed himself King of León. The city's history was then nourished by conquests and skirmishes against the Islamic world and also Portugal. It was united with Castile several times, but it was not until the 13C that this union became definitive.

The transfer of the Court away from here in 1230 obviously reduced the historic and political importance of León and its province. Following a period of decline, however, the province has now taken advantage of its agricultural and stock breeding capabilities, as well as mining, the production of industrial machinery, and hydroelectric energy, in order to improve its economic development.

León itself lies on a fertile plain surrounded by woods, orchards and meadows, and has a population of over 120,000 inhabitants. Within the two cities it encapsulates, i.e. the old medieval part and the modern one that stretches alongside the river, there is an extraordinary historical and artistic heritage.

It was commissioned by Bishop Manrique de Lara and had Maestro Enrique -who also worked on Burgos Cathedral- and Juan Pérez for its architects. The main façade, flanked by the Towers of El Reloj (the Clock) and Las Campanas (the Bells), and those of the transept, all have a triple portico -the influence of Chartres Cathedral. The central tympanum of the former bears the scene of the 'Last Judgement'. On the mullion there is an image of the Virgin of Nuestra Señora de la Blanca, and to the left we find an image of St. James, upon whose base the pilgrims usually rest their hands. The entire sculptural richness of the main façade preserves the original coloration to a far greater degree and has the image of the Virgin of El Dado on the mullion and the figures representing the 'Annunciation' on the jambs. The southern façade has yet another outstanding collection of figures.

The inside is illuminated by the light passing through 1,800 m2 of medieval stained glass, which are classed as the most important in Spain, and show the clear influence of the aforementined French cathedrals and that of the Sainte-Chapelle. The stained-glass windows that are preserved from the 13C -when the majority were put in- are those to be found in the chapels of the west end, some of the central nave, those that represent the liberal arts and scenes of falconry, and finally those of the northern and western rose windows. These windows are characterised by having the scenes and religious figures framed by strips of floral or geometric patterns. In the transept and the chancel there are later windows alongside the original ones. These were the result of alterations and restoration work, some of which was carried out in this century.

The main reredos was the work of Nicolás Francés back in the 15C, and has an outstanding painting depicting the 'Burial of Christ'. To the left of this stands a 'pietà' by Van der Weyden. On the altar can be found a silver urn by Enrique de Arfe, which contains the mortal remains of San Froilán, the patron saint of León. Other fine sections of the Cathedral include the chapels in the ambulatory and the transept, with their Gothic tombs, and the Plateresque screen in the main chapel. The Renaissance retrochoir was the work of Baltasar Gutiérrez and Esteban Jordan, while the choir itself is one of the oldest in Spain and shows clear Flemish influences.

The cloisters were constructed by Juan de Badajoz in the Renaissance style and still preserve frescoes by Nicolás Francés on some of the walls. From here, a magnificent Plateresque staircase leads to the Cathedral Museum. This contains many outstanding exhibits, including some fifty Romanesque carvings of the Virgin-(12C and 13C), a'Crucifixion' by Juan de Juni (16C), a Visigothic Bible, and an 11C Mozarabic Antiphoner.

This construction constitutes a most interesting example of early Romanesque art in Spain, though the present-day Basilica is a mixture of buildings belonging to several different time periods. The Pantheon of the Kings is the oldest section and forms the portico of the church that was founded by Fernando I and Doña Sancha for their burial place in 1063. It was here where the mortal remains of San Isidoro and San Vicente were later transferred. The original church stands over an earlier pre-Romanesque construction, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, which was destroyed by Almanzor. The interlaced vaults resting on thick marble columns and forming balanced series of arches are most typical of the Romanesque style. The capitals were a great innovation of the time if one takes into account that it was around 1050 that the European Romanesque style began to use sculpted figures of people or animals to replace or intermix with the typical foliage motifs that had been used up until that moment. These capitals show scenes depicting the 'Raising of Lazarus', the 'Sacrifice of Abraham' and 'Daniel in the Lion's Den', as well as a great variety of other decoration consisting of leaves, pine cones, griffins, birds and monsters. The extraordinary paintings on the vaults, which date from the 12C, still maintain their bright colours and are considered the finest examples of Romanesque painting in Spain. The main construction of the church underwent several alterations until the Basilica, with its nave, two aisles and apses, was built in 1149. The central apse was later transformed into a Gothic chapel around the year 1513. The southern façade has excellent Romanesque sculptures on its two main doorways -the so-called Puerta del Perdón and the Puerta del Cordero (late 11C and early 12C).

The former, which corresponds to the transept, has images depicting the 'Crucifixion', the 'Three Maries', and the 'Ascension' (the work of Maestro Esteban, who was also responsible for Las Platerias façade at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela). The Puerta del Cordero is decorated with the statues of San Isidoro and San Pelayo, surrounded by the Signs of the Zodiac, while on the tympanum we find a depiction of the 'Sacrifice of Isaac' and an 'Agnus Dei'. This doorway also has a Renaissance cornice and pediment. The Museum of the Collegiate Church of San Isidoro el Real contains an agate chalice that belonged to Doña Urraca, some valuable works in gold and silver, and a collection of very old manuscripts.

It was originally founded for the Knights of the Order of St. James around 1173, and served as a hospital for pilgrims on the Pilgrims' Way to Santiago, though nothing now remains from this time period. Later, the Catholic Monarchs gave the convent to the Knights of St. James in gratitude for their help in the Reconquest. The present-day construction was begun in 1513, following the Renaissance design by Pedro Larrea. It has a magnificent Plateresque façade about 100 m long, which has a profuse decoration of medallions, columns and pilasters. The 18C Baroque portal has a high relief equestrian sculpture of St. James, and a frieze of mythological and historical busts. Inside, there is a large staircase, the cloisters and the Chapter House –the latter having an outstanding Mudéjar coffered ceiling. The Church was consecrated in 1541 and its façade is covered with scallop shells -the symbol of the pilgrims who went to Santiago de Compostela. Inside, we find some splendid Renaissance choir stalls carved by Guillermo Doncel, as well as the sacristy by Juan de Badajoz, which is finely decorated. The Provincial Archeological Museum is located in the latter and contains exhibits from prehistoric times and archeological finds from around the region. One mav also see sculpture (eg, the magnificent figure of 'El Cristo de Carrizo'), paintings and works in precious metals. The Convent of San Marcos has been converted into a luxury hotel, and forms part of the network of Spanish Paradores.

The streets that spread out between the Plaza Mayor and the Plaza del Mercado still help to give the city a medieval appearance. The Plaza Mayor itself was built in the 17C, taking the form of a rectangle with arcades. On its west side stands the Municipal Council building. The nearby Church of San Salvador de Palaz del Rey is the oldest in León, and preserves the remains of the church that Ordoño II had built in the 10C. Its fine reredos dates from the 16C. The Palace of the Counts of Luna has a 16C Renaissance tower which was added to the palace that was built there two centuries before and had a Gothic portal. The area around the Plaza Mayor and the Plaza de San Martín is popularly known as the 'wet district' since it is the location of many bars, pubs and restaurants. It is the entertainment centre of the city, although it still preserves its medieval layout and the names of its streets recall the old craft industries and trades eg, Matasiete, Azabachería (jet merchants) and Zapatería (cobblers). The small street known as the Travesía de la Plaza leads to the old Jewish quarter (Pozo Grande), while in Juan de Arfe street there are several typical 18C Leonese houses. The Plaza del Mercado is the square where the market is held and where royal proclamations were once read. It is a wide, irregularly-shaped square with 16C arcades and a stone cross. The fountain dates back to the 18C and represents the confluence of the rivers Bernesga and Torío. This is the location of the 12C Romanesque Church of Santa María del Camino, which underwent alterations in the 15C.

The square known as the Plaza de San Marcelo is the site of several other monuments of interest. Examples include the Palace of Los Guzmanes, a 16C Plateresque construction attributed to Gil de Hontañón, who introduced the idea of a projecting balcony, and which has a beautiful courtyard; the Town Hall, also dating from the 16C, which was built by Juan de Badajoz and Juan del Rivero Rada; and the so-called Casa de Botines, a work by Gaudi towards the end of the 19C and built in the Neo-Gothic style. Modern works of art to be encountered in the city include the great mural by Vela Zanetti, located inside the Church of San José Obrero, and Subirachs's work 'Whitsuntide', which is kept inside the Shrine of the Virgin of El Camino (6 km outside the city). The Post Office building is a brilliant Rationalist style construction, built in 1984 by Alejandro de la Sota.

La Maragatería is a region that never ceases to surprise because of its unusual customs. These could be of Celtic, Berber or perhaps Mozarabic origin. One such custom is the tradition of marrying within the community and almost never with outsiders. Whatever the reason may be, the fact is that the people of this region still preserve many of their peculiar traditions, with their solemn wedding ceremonies, colourful costumes and typical dances.

The capital of the region is Astorga, known as Astorica Augusta in Roman times. This was a town that lay on the Pilgrims' Way to Santiago and, consequently, has a rich monumental heritage. One of the most outstanding monuments is the Gothic Cathedral, begun in the 15C, and whose main façade was completed in the 17C. Therefore, it has a mixture of both Plateresque and Baroque elements. The side portal, however, is in the Renaissance style. Inside, there is a magnificent main reredos, with carvings by Gaspar Becerra and fine stalls in the choir. The Diocesan Museum exhibits a 10C Mozarabic-cum-Romanesque casket, and several Romanesque images of virgins dating from between the 11C and 13C. The Episcopal Palace, which was the work of Gaudi in 1889, shows the architect's characteristic originality and stylish beauty. It now houses the Museum of the Pilgrims' Way, where the art and history of this pilgrimage road are brought together. The 17C Baroque Town Hall has a clock with chimes provided by two jaque-mart figures in Maragato costume, while other monuments of interest include the Church of San Bartolomé, the Shrine of Fátima, the former Roman slaves' prison, and the walls. We should also like to suggest a visit to Castrillo de los Polvazares, said to he the most beautiful town in La Maragatería.

La Bañeza is a region of irrigated lands, whose most outstanding monuments are the Churches of Santa María, with a 'pietà' by Gregorio Fernández, and San Salvador, whose Romanesque apse dates back to the 11 C.

El Bierzo valley is a privileged region, surrounded by mountains, which enjoys a splendid climate. The Pilgrims' Way crosses the Manjarin-Foncebadón pass, with its famous Iron Cross, and enters the town of Ponferrada. This is the capital of the region and lies on the banks of the river Sil. Above the town stands a castle of the Knights Templars, an imposing structure with slender towers. It dates from the 13C and constitutes one of the most beautiful examples of medieval military architecture in Spain. Other monuments of interest to be found include the Shrine of Nuestra Señora de la Encina, the 10C Mozarabic Church of Santo Tomás de las Ollas, the 11C Romanesque Church of Otero, San Miguel de las Dueñas, and the ruins of the 12C Romanesque Monastery of Carracedo.

The town of Villafranca del Bierzo lies at the confluence of the rivers Burbia and Valcárcel and is the location of the Church of Santiago (St. James). This 12C Romanesque construction was the place where the pilgrims came before reaching their goal at Santiago de Compostela. Of interest is the so-called 'Portico of El Perdón', and some outstanding sculptures belonging to the Leonese-Romanesque style. The pilgrims continued along Water street (Calle del Agua), with its medieval appearance and houses bearing coats-of-arms that date back to the 16C and 17C. The traveller may also like to visit the 13C Collegiate Church of Santa María; the Convent of San Francisco, said to have been founded by St. Francis of Assisi; the Church of San Nicolás, which formed part of a Jesuit college; the 17C Convent of La Anunciada; and the 16C Palace of the Marquises of Villafranca. There is also a Parador to be found within the town. Three kilometres away from Villafranca del Bierzo is CoruIIón, with its interesting Churches of San Esteban (11C) and San Miguel (12C) -both of which show examples of the Compostela-Romanesque style. The castle, now in ruins, dates back to the 14C. Bembibre is another important town, with a magnificent palace and a synagogue that was converted into a church during the 13C. The traveller would do well to visit Peñalba de Santiago and Las Médulas, both about 30 km away. The former lies in the so-called Valle del Silencio or 'Valley of Silence', and is a village built up around the monastery that was founded by San Genadio. The Church of Santiago is a 10C Mozarabic structure, and, along with the rubblework and slates of the houses, provides a harmonious example of rural architecture. The area of Las Médulas lies to the south of Carucedo and is one of the most unusual landscapes within the region of El Bierzo. Classed as a National Monument it shows the remains of the gold mines worked by the Romans in the 2C AD and for a period of approximately 200 years. The Orellán viewpoint offers magnificent panoramic views of the small peaks that litter the area. Recently they have been declared Mankind Heritage Site.

Part of this itinerary covers certain sections of the Pilgrims' Way to Santiago, as is the case of Mansilla de las Mulas. At Villaverde de Sandoval we find the Benedictine Monastery of Santa Maria de Sandoval, built during the 12C and enlarged in the 14C. Heading on in the direction of Gradefes, a turn-off leads to the Monastery of San Miguel de Escalada. This is a most interesting example of 10C Mozarabic architecture, rebuilt by monks who had fled from Cordova. Its nave and two aisles are separated by rows of horseshoe arches, while the unusual chapels in the west end also have similar arches and are richly decorated. Both the capitals inside the church and those in the portico are of exceptional beauty, and the tower dates from the 11C.

On reaching Gradefes one can visit the Monastery of Santa Maria, founded in 1168 by the Cistercians. It marks the transition from Romanesque -seen in the ambulatory and the apse- to the Gothic style of the rest of the construction. Sahagún is, from a historical and artistic point of view, the most important town in the province. In times gone by it was the main settlement in the area of Tierra de Campos and had strong Mudéjar roots, as can be seen in the Churches of San Tirso, San Lorenzo, and the Shrine of La Peregrina (12C-14C). Also of interest are the ruins of the Benedictine Monastery which was, perhaps, the largest of its kind in Spain and the most powerful within the Kingdom of León. This Romanesque structure of the 12C and 13C has Gothic traces. Next to the Monastery stands the Convent of Benedictine Sisters, whose Museum of Sacred Art exhibits a Gothic monstrance that was the work of Enrique de Arfe in the 16C, as well as other objects from the 10C-18C. South of Sahagún lies the Monastery of San Pedro de las Dueñas. This Romanesque work, begun in the 12C, was completed many years later in the Gothic style. The Church of San Miguel at Grajal de Campos has sculptures on its high altar by the school of Gregorio Fernández, and other monuments to be visited include the Palace of the Marquises of Grajal and the castle. All three date from the 16C. This itinerary comes to an end at Valencia de Don Juan, where we find a 15C castle whose slender keep rises between the Gothic decoration of one of its windows. The 16C Church of Nuestra Señora del Castillo Viejo has the image of the aforementioned patron saint inside, as well as a work depicting the 'Descent from the Cross' in the style of Becerra. Meanwhile, the 19C Church of San Pedro contains the magnificent reredos from the high altar of the Church of San Salvador, the work of Guillermo Doncel in the 16C.

The Picos de Europa, so-called because they were the first European lands to be seen by whalers from northern waters, were the retreat of the Cantabrians and the Asturs during their confrontations with the Romans. This was at a time when they were also known as Mons Vindius. They go to form the natural northern boundary of the province of León with the Principality of Asturias.

The river Esla, flowing between monuments and mountains, leads to Nuevo Riaño, a newish settlement close to a dam and surrounded by mountain ranges and beech-woods, which is now a thriving tourist centre. The Riaño National Game Reserve can offer both excellent scenery and good hunting, and is the location of the beautiful Riosol and Valdosín valleys. The beech-woods around El Pontón pass lie amidst some of the most representative Leonese scenery: the beautiful Sajambre and Valdeón valleys.

The Sajambre valley, at the headwaters of the river Sella, is surrounded by high peaks and forests of oak and beech. It stands on the southern slopes of the massif known as Peña Santa and connects with Asturias via the Beyos gorge. The small town of Oseja de Sajambre lies in the foothills and its houses seem to be hanging in the air. This is the main town in the valley. Following the road up to Soto de Sajambre the traveller should stop at the Vistalegre viewpoint, from where many of the valley's small towns and villages can be seen. These include Vierdes, Ribota, Pío and Cobarcil. Soto de Sajambre is considered to be one of the most beautiful mountain villages, and marks the way to Los Porros viewpoint. From here, panoramic views of the entire Sajambre valley may be enjoyed.

The Valdeón valley is reached via a road leading to the Panderruedas pass taken a little before arriving at El Pontón pass. Once here, the traveller is recommended to make for the Piedrahita viewpoint, from where the Peña Santa massif and the peaks known as Torre Cerredo and Torre Lambrión can be seen. The valley can also be reached via the area of La Reina, crossing the Pandetrave pass between Portilla de la Reina and Santa Marina de Valdeón. Posada de Valdeón, the valley's main small town, and the villages of Santa Marina, Prada, Caldevilla, Soto, Los Llanos, Cordiñanes and Caín, all lie on the banks of the river Cares and help to enhance the impressive mountain scenery of peaks, ranges and gorges. The typical flora of the valley comes in the form of a variety of trees, including beech, oak, lime trees and holly, in addition to the species of plants that are exclusive to mountain scenery. The typical architecture also blends in perfectly with the surroundings.

Soto de Valdeón has, perhaps, the best preserved ensemble of stone houses with overhanging wooden balconies, and one will also find many very old granaries (known locally as hórreos). From Cordiñanes one can head for El Tombo viewpoint, offering magnificent views of Mount Llambrión, the Hermitage of Corona (where Don Pelayo, the monarch who began the Reconquest in 718, was crowned king), and the old wolf trap known as 'el chorco'. From Caín, where the river Cares drops in a waterfall, there begins a steep gorge which runs as far as Puente Poncebos in Asturias. This is the so-called 'Garganta Divina' (lit.: Divine Gorge) which stretches for some 11 km between the western and central massifs of the Picos de Europa. The spectacular walk through the carved walls of the gorge and over fragile bridges is an unforgettable experience. Further along, magnificent views can be enjoyed at San Glorio pass from El Corzo viewpoint and El Collado de Llosba. The latter takes in the three massifs of the Picos de Europa. The road that leads away from the pass continues on towards Cantabria.

This itinerary begins 3 km outside León at a place called Navatejera, where a visit can be paid to a large Roman villa which has some interesting mosaics. Thirty-six kilometres away lies the Vegacervera gorge, offering some hair-raising scenery of sheer stone sides up to 100 m high. This was formed by the action of the river Torio on the limestone rocks. The gorge runs parallel to the main road for several kilometres. The Valporquero caves offer another outstanding piece of scenery, and can be reached via Felmin. The action of water and time on the limestone landscape have helped create this magic world of capricious forms, complete with stalagmites, stalactites and what are known as coladas -paintings using a host of natural colours obtained from iron and sulphur oxides. In the valley of the river Curueño, not far from the Nocedo-Curueño spa, there are the Valdeteja and Valdelugueros gorges.

The Mampodre National Game Reserve is the location of the Puebla de Lillo pine grove. These are the only pines native to the Cantabrian Mountains and one can find examples that are over 35 m tall and more than 200 years old. In the San Isidro pass we find Lake Ausente, which was formed by glacial action, while Lake Isoba, the beech-woods of El Porma valley and the reservoir are all ideal for taking pleasant walks in natural surroundings. At nearby Boñar they hold competitions featuring the typical Leonese form of wrestling, and the visitor can try the delicious nicanores (cakes).

The Pajares pass offers somewhat snowier scenery and marks the natural entrance to Asturias from Castile -a route that was even used by the Romans. At Arbás there is the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria, founded by Alfonso VII in the 12C.

Heading in a north-westerly direction we come to the areas of Babia and Laciana, both of which are reached via the Luna Valley. The area known as Las Omañas lies to the south of the Sierra de La Filera. The influence of Asturias can be clearly seen in the age-old villages. For example, not far from La Magdalena stands the ancient castro or fortified village of Garaño. Barrios de Luna has the ruins of the Castle of the Counts of Luna, and the road leading to the spa resort of Caldas de Luna runs alongside a reservoir, offering the traveller some magnificent views. This reservoir is spanned by the Barrios de Luna bridge, an exceptionally light and narrow construction. Measuring 440 m in length, it was built in the mid eighties of pre-stressed concrete following a design by Fernández Casado, and now forms part of the Campomanes-León motorway.

The itinerary through Luna and Babia will give a clear indication of the influence of the north, as seen in the stone and slate houses to be found at Barrios de Luna, Sena de Luna, Rabanal, Villasecino, Torrebarrio and Quintanilla de Babia. As far as the beauty of the scenery is concerned, suffice it to say that the Kings of Asturias and León were prone to 'lose all sense of time' when hunting here. This is the origin of the popular Spanish expression 'estar en Babia' (meaning'to be daydreaming') when referring to someone who is seen to be lost in thought. Continuing on through Cabrillanes and Piedrafita we eventually reach Las Palomas bridge, spanning the gorge of the river Sil at a height of some 82 m. From Villaseca the itinerary through Laciana begins. This is a sheltered valley with forests of oak, beech and birch. The return journey to León takes in Villablino, an agricultural community that has been altered by the presence of the mining industry, as well as Las Omañas, set among small valleys running away at angles from a central one. Los Fumos waterfall is located a little before reaching Los Bayos, while there is a large fortified village (castro) at Murias de Paredes and another Known as El Cerco between Riello and Oterico.

Separated from Galicia by the Sierra de los Ancares, this is a very rugged region, quite difficult to reach. As a result of the hard climatic conditions and lack of good communications, the people of this region were cut off from the rest of the country for many centuries. Consequently, they still preserve certain cultural, linguistic, and architectural traits that date right back to pre-Roman times, in which the influence of León, Galicia and Asturias is also intermingled. The entire region is considered to be unique in Europe from an anthropological and ethnological point of view. The greatest concentration of villages is to be found in the Burbia, Ancares and Fornela valleys, and these are reached via Vega de Espinarda. Los Ancares valley is the home of one of the oldest types of dwelling in existence in Spain -the palloza. This is a small oval house with very low walls and an enormous thatched roof, generally made of rye. Inside, it is divided into two sections that are used as a dwelling and a shelter for livestock.

There is still some conjecture as to the supposed Celtic origin of these houses, since many similar constructions have come to light in excavations of Asturian fortified villages. In addition, the hórreos (granaries built on stilts to make them completely rodent-proof) that can also be found here denote a clear Asturian influence. These square-shaped constructions are either covered with a slate or thatched roof. Some of the best pallozas are to be seen at Campo del Agua, Suárbol and Balouta. The latter lies on the other side of the Ancares pass and the traveller who heads there may also have the opportunity of seeing the typical Bronce Age cart known by the name of a chillón. Both Tejedo and Pereda have typical mountain dwellings.

The National Game Reserve of Los Ancares Leoneses was set up to protect almost all the villages and ecological sites in this region. This paradise of nature, with its forests and undergrowth, dotted about with narcissi, gentians and primulas, is helping to protect such endangered species as the brown bear and capercaillie, as well as wolves and several varieties of large and small game.

There is a great abundance of small game to be encountered throughout the province, including such species as partridge, quail, rabbit and hare. Migratory waterfowl visit the artificial lakes of the Sil, the Orbigo, Barrios de Luna, the Porma and the Esla every year, and many of these provide for a more varied type of hunting. Large game hunting is of major importance in León. The entire Leonese section of the Cantabrian Mountains, the Leonese Mountains and the Sierra de Los Ancares constitute the ideal habitat for ibex, roe deer, stag and wild boar, and these territories roughly coincide with the National Game Reserves of Los Ancares Leoneses, Mampodre and Riaño. Naturally enough, certain restrictions relating to the hunting of these animals are always enforced.

The province of León is famous for its trout rivers. There are over 3,000 km of crystal-clear waters, providing an ideal habitat for trout as well as several other species, including barbel and chub. Those visitors interested in water sports will find adequate facilities at the León Yacht Club on the Barrios de Luna reservoir, amongst other places, while winter sports can be practised at the San Isidro pass (Puebla de Lillo), Esla 2002 (Llánaves de la Reina) and Valgrande-Pajares.

The cheeses, meat, hams from Villamarín and sausage-type products from Trobajo all enjoy an immense popularity within the province of León, and trout, considered to be the queen of the Leonese rivers, is served in a wide variety of ways. Another particularly tasty dish is the so-called Maragato stew. In the region of El Bierzo we find many popular dishes, including botillos (typical sausage-type products), la cachelada (potatoes with ham and chorizo sausage), lacón con grelos (shoulder of pork with turnip tops), octopus and typical meat and fish pies known as empanadas. La Bañeza is famed for its frogs' legs, partridge with cabbage and roast quails. Roast lamb and kid-goat from Astorga, fruits in syrup from El Bierzo, figs from La Bañeza and nicanores from Boñar.

'La Ronda' and the Procession of 'Los Pasos', which are held on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, have been declared festivities of national interest to tourists. Meanwhile, on Easter Tuesday the Brotherhood of 'El Cristo del Perdón' release a prisoner. On the last Sunday in April they celebrate 'Las Cabezadas' -an offering to San Isidoro from the Town Hall. The main festivities and celebrations are those of San Juan and San Pedro (June 24th and 29th respectively). In September and October there are romerías (festive-religious excursions) to the Shrine of the Virgin of El Camino, while on the first Sunday in October they hold the Festivities of San Froilán and 'Las Cantaderas' in the Cathedral. The Organ Festival (September to October) is also held in the Cathedral, and there are other Music Festivals that take place around May and June.

Astorga: During Holy Week there is the Procession of the Holy Burial. Later on in August (the first Sunday) they hold the Festivities of Santa Maria, with typical dances and Maragato costumes. Somewhat similar are the Corpus Christi celebrations and those held on July 22nd in honour of La Magdalena at Castrillo de Los Polvazares. The Corpus Christi celebrations are also particularly unusual at Laguna de Negrillos.

Ponferrada: The Good Friday Procession of 'El Encuentro' and the Festivities of the Virgin of La Encina (September 5th-10th) are the main interest here.

Villafranca del Bierzo: The typical pipers help to liven up the Procession of San Tirso on January 28th, and there are also the Festivities of El Santisimo Cristo de la Esperanza, held on September 14th. This town is also the location of a "Week of Sacred Music" that takes place during Holy Week.

Local crafts in León date back to times long gone by. For example, the Visigothic ironworks at Compludo has been working since the 7C, and still relies on water power to supply it with energy. Meanwhile, Val de San Lorenzo has a thriving textile industry producing blankets and carpets. Astorga is the home of fine tapestries, while the pottery from Jiménez de Jamuz is highly original in its design. The mountain areas of Pio de Sajambre and Los Ancares are noted for their craftwork in wood.