Convent of San Marcos, León

The Convento de San Marcos in León, a city in the autonomous community of Castile and Leon, goes back to a hospital for pilgrims from the 12th century. The building on the northwest edge of the city, located on the banks of the River Bernesga, is a listed building ( Bien de Interès Cultural ).

History

In the 12th century, was located at the site of the Convent of the main house of the Order of Santiago, established in 1152 to protect the pilgrims. Soon the building was expanded to include a church and a hospital for pilgrims. The present buildings were constructed for the most part during the Siglo de Oro, in the 16th century.

Description

The present building of the former Convento de San Marcos was the Catholic Monarchs as a monastery started (Spanish Convento ), designed by Pedro de Larrea. The Renaissance has a hundred meter long façade, whose eastern part was built from 1533 to 1541. The western, baroque part with portal and clock tower was created from 1708 to 1716. The two floors are richly provided with plataresken decorations. Above the main portal of the Apostle James is shown as Moors killer.

On the eastern side of the cloister and the monastery church closes, which is dedicated to St. Mark the Evangelist (Spanish San Marcos ).

Current usage

In the cloister, the chapter house and sacristy a museum (Museo de León) is housed, showing mainly religious art. In the former pilgrims' hostel and a building from the 20th century is located since 1964 a Parador, a five -star hotel with restaurant.