Leon is the capital
of Leon province in the north of the region; it has an important
link by train with Madrid and is linked by several major road
routes.
Leon is one of the most historic cities
of Old Castile, and within Castilla y Leon, situated at the foot
of the Cantabrian mountains it is surrounded by rich farmland,
green meadow, and woods. The Knights Templar built castles and
fortifications here in the Middle Ages. The old town of Leon
is set back from the river, partly enclosed at one end by the
remains of the medieval ramparts. Here there are tranquil places
to rest, a bustling market area and many historic buildings to
view. The city's most famous monuments are its great Gothic cathedral,
the church Basilica de San Isidoro with valuable Romanesque frescoes
in its crypt, and the San Marcos monastery of the Renaissance
period. Close to Leon are the legendary Roman gold mines Las
Medulas.
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