Leon or Burgos ?

Old Aug 9th, 2001, 02:32 PM
  #1  
cb
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Leon or Burgos ?

Which of the 2 cities in Spain is a better choice to spend half a day or 1 day if I can do only one ?
 
Old Aug 9th, 2001, 02:38 PM
  #2  
Pedro
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
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.
 
Old Aug 10th, 2001, 09:29 AM
  #3  
Jose
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Both cities are wonderfull.

But I agree with Pedro (are you Pedro Barriada?).

León has one of the hotels in the wordl as San Marcos is. Really beautifull.

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).

But of course you can sleep at San Marcos, and one of the days make a day trip to Burgos.

 
Old Aug 10th, 2001, 10:03 AM
  #4  
Pedro
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
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:

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.

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"
 
Old Aug 10th, 2001, 02:37 PM
  #5  
Graziella
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
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.
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.
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 .
 
Old Aug 11th, 2001, 02:22 AM
  #6  
Jose
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
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.
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-.
 
Old Aug 11th, 2001, 02:30 AM
  #7  
Pedro
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Just a curious thing: The Gaudi´s Casa de los Botines in León is the only building by him that still remains exactly as it was built. The rest of Gaudi architecture has been restored or added or completed in any way, but not this building.
 
Old Aug 11th, 2001, 06:36 AM
  #8  
Graziella
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
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,
starting with the Pirineos Catalanes
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,

So we all agree, choosing Leon between Leon and BUrgos, although I love the Monastery of las Huelgas in Burgos, and the Cathedral, although
Leon's is in my opinion even more beautiful with its outstanding vitraux, and for Romanic treasures how about San Isidoro ?
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...
buena suerte,hey , I wish I could say it in Catalan...
Spain what a fantastic destination!,
I have pitty for the guy who someplace in this forum says it is not worth going to...
 
Old Aug 11th, 2001, 06:51 AM
  #9  
cb
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Leon it will be then. Thanks to all your suggestions. I willbe arriving by train from Madrid. Now, I just need to figure out how to get from the station by public transportation.
Thanks also for the parador and hotel suggestion.
 
Old Aug 11th, 2001, 07:00 AM
  #10  
Jose
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Yes, Graziella.

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)

'Buena Suerte' is said 'Bona Sort' by Catalonians.

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)
 
Old Aug 11th, 2001, 03:24 PM
  #11  
cb
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Leon it will be then. Thanks for all your suggestions, including the parador and hotel; I've been trying to decide where to stay. I will be arriving by train from Madrid. Now my only problem is how to get from the station by public transportation.
 
Old Aug 11th, 2001, 06:25 PM
  #12  
helpful
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
La Posada Regia: http://www.si-santamonica.es/regialeon/posada.htm
 
Old Aug 12th, 2001, 03:23 AM
  #13  
Jose
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
As León is not a big city, the railway station is not too far from the hotels.

But sure you will need a transportation between them.

Two options are available:

1.- By bus, but cannot tell what is the one you need.

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?
 
Old Aug 12th, 2001, 03:29 AM
  #14  
Pedro
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
I would get a taxi to take you to your hotel. It will not charge you much and it will let you skip waiting for the bus connection with the bags. I am certain it is the best option.
 
Old Oct 12th, 2001, 10:40 AM
  #15  
cb
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
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.
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -