Camino Day Twenty-Three and Twenty-Four- Mansilla de las Mulas to Leon (12.6 Miles) Plus Rest Day in Leon
Day 23, started bright and early, on the Way by 7:30, we were excited to get to Leon. A relatively short walk at a little over 12 miles but we were on the ninth straight day of walking without a rest day. To say the least our bodies were tired and we were rather grumpy to each other. Our reward was checking into the Parador de Leon Hotel. This building was converted to a hotel in 1986 and it has only 57 Rooms in a very large structure. It was constructed in 12th Century outside the walls of the city of Leon, as a Convent and Hospital along Jacobean Way for “the poor of Christ”. This hospital-temple became a shelter for the pilgrims traveling the Camino de Santiago. In the 16th Century the medieval building was torn down and a new building designed and built thanks to a grant from “Ferdinand the Catholic” King. With all the architects and politicians involved it took over 40 years to complete.
The other reward was our reservations at a Michelin Restaurant next door at 2:50. Remember when we stated that everyone does the Camino in their own Way?
After a great nights sleep, no alarm, and a relaxed breakfast, we were in our shorts in the chilly 47 degrees to explore Leon (later in the day the temp climbed to 77 degrees). We walked Roman Walls, visited the Leon Cathedral, toured the Basilica and Museum of San Isidoro, and spent two hours with Antonio who owns a Calligraphy and Art Store. He enjoyed sharing what he knows of Leon history and we soaked up every bit we could. We purchased two pieces from him that we will treasure. The art will remind us of our time in Leon.
