Leon or Burgos ?
#2
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I would probably choose Leon since the old town is more colourful and has more ambient in the area so called " Barrio Humedo ". Both gothic cathedrals are absolutely wonderful but you could also visit a delicious romanesque church " San Isidoro " with its paintings and the beautiful Hostal San Marcos now a Parador.
#3
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Both cities are wonderfull. <BR> <BR>But I agree with Pedro (are you Pedro Barriada?). <BR> <BR>León has one of the hotels in the wordl as San Marcos is. Really beautifull. <BR> <BR>The cathedrals of both cities are similar but diferents. León's is more colourfull because of the 'vidrieras' (windows with glasses of different colors, sorry, I don't remenber how to say it in English). <BR> <BR>But of course you can sleep at San Marcos, and one of the days make a day trip to Burgos. <BR> <BR>
#4
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In the surroundings of Leon, there are a couple of sights that well worth the visit in case you drive over there or have some extra time to spend: <BR> <BR>Cuevas de Valporquero (Valporquero Cave): wild landscape and interesting cave system, beautiful river gorge nearby. It is located north of Leon on the way to Oviedo. <BR> <BR>Astorga/Castrillo de los Polvazares: Interesting towns, the first famous for its Gaudi palace and splendid Cathedral and the second for being one of the most picturesque villages in central Spain, where you can eat the most typical dish in that area "Cocido Maragato"
#5
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I agree with previous postings, I love Leon. If you do not find room in the Parador I wish to recommend a charming small hotel in a better location than the Parador because it is in the heart of the Barrio Humedo, it is called: La Posada Regia, phone 987 213 173. <BR>In 1999 we stayed in the Parador, and this APril we stayed in the Posada , I love it, and they have one of the best restaurants in Leon, called El Meson Regio. Each room is different and they are all furnished with antiques. Lovely. <BR>WE paid 13.000 for a double with breakfast. Only setback they do not have parking, but you can leave your car in a public underground parking a few yards away.Hope you enjoy Leon .
#6
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Also, in the León you do not need the car, León is not a big city, and driving in the downtown (Barrio Húmedo) is not allowed. <BR>And we forgot to tell you that you can meet some of the best Gaudi's works in León as Casa Botines near to the cathedral(and in Astorga: Palacio Episcopal). -So you won't need travel into Barcelona these works from him-.
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#8
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Jose's remarks are fun ;-) , but I for one have fall in love with Cataluna as a whole,....not only for Gaudi...I was a little reluctant at times to visit Cataluna because since I speak Spanish I love to speak it in Spain, and you know in Cataluna speaking Spanish makes you feel as an outsider, someone that is not in,...however our last trip to Cataluna, <BR>starting with the Pirineos Catalanes <BR>and visiting so many lovely little towns,eating like the Gods, there is a wealth of young catalanes chefs that cook marvelous things, visting little Romanic churches and monasteries, and of course, Barcelona and the often neglected Gerona, and then the spas , and then the Costa Brava....of course Gaudi is fascinating but there is so much more than Gaudi in Cataluna, and I have seen only the top of the iceberg, <BR> <BR>So we all agree, choosing Leon between Leon and BUrgos, although I love the Monastery of las Huelgas in Burgos, and the Cathedral, although <BR>Leon's is in my opinion even more beautiful with its outstanding vitraux, and for Romanic treasures how about San Isidoro ? <BR>Yes you do not need a car in Leon, park it and leave there, and then wonder around, or may be you wish to follow the brass shells inserted in the paviment pointing to Santiago... <BR>buena suerte,hey , I wish I could say it in Catalan... <BR>Spain what a fantastic destination!, <BR>I have pitty for the guy who someplace in this forum says it is not worth going to...
#10
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Yes, Graziella. <BR> <BR>Cataluña is incredible too. And has so many things to see, that it requires a whole trip. In the Pirineos there are so many wonderfull romanic churches (El Valle del Boi is a sample). And valleys, with pretty villages... And of course Barcelona, with the gothic, and the modernism... And the others capital cities as Lérida (Lleida in Catalá) <BR> <BR>'Buena Suerte' is said 'Bona Sort' by Catalonians. <BR> <BR>But in León, if you love mountains, there are the 'Picos de Europa', in the border with Asturias and Cantabria (two others fantastic places to stay for some days)
#12
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La Posada Regia: http://www.si-santamonica.es/regialeon/posada.htm
#13
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As León is not a big city, the railway station is not too far from the hotels. <BR> <BR>But sure you will need a transportation between them. <BR> <BR>Two options are available: <BR> <BR>1.- By bus, but cannot tell what is the one you need. <BR> <BR>2.- By taxi, the one I should choose in both cases, Parador or Posada, and that is because of comfort, with all those bags... You know what I mean, didn't you?
#15
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Thanks to all those who replied. Your advise helped for an enjoyable visit to Leon. Stayed at the charming Posada Regia; it was walking distance from the train station. The time we were there happened to be the day before the feast of San Froilan. At night there was music and dancing by groups. There were campfires set up in a plaza where people were cooking and eating. I did not expect the fiesta and did not research the celebration. Does anyone know where I can get information on this festival ? I could not find any non-tourist who could explain in English what was happening and my very limited Spanish is not enough. Those farmer's (?) shoes elevated with 3 pegs were fascinating.