The Incredible Stained Glass of León Cathedral (Spain)
León Cathedral (officially Santa María de León Cathedral) is considered one of the Top 10 Cathedrals in Spain. It’s a French-inspired Gothic Cathedral built (between 1205 and 1301) over ancient Roman baths.
What León Cathedral is really famous for is it’s incredible stained glass windows. The windows cover approximately 1,800 meters of surface, most of it still original to when the Cathedral was first constructed. Because of this, León Cathedral is nicknamed the “House of Light”.
It’s the most incredible stained glass windows we’ve ever seen.
Some photos and a video below.
Leon Cathedral is also one of the three most important cathedrals, along with that of Burgos and Santiago de Compostela, on The Way of Saint James (El Camino de Santiago in Spanish). Like the Burgos Cathedral, it is inspired by the Cathedral in Reims (France).
As you can see, León Cathedral is quite spectacular and worth a visit.
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I too was blown away by the Leon cathedral and so enjoyed your video which captured the awesome feel of all the stained glass and light. As a non-believer like you, I nevertheless never tire of visiting churches and cathedrals and admiring the incredible architecture and artistry that goes into the making of these buildings. Fantastic!
Didn’t know you had been to Leon Anita! (maybe just slipped my mind)
Yes, I had heard that the stained glass was the most impressive aspect but didn’t think it would be as impressive as it was. Looking at the Cathedral from outside it doesn’t seem like there are so many windows…it’s only when you go in that you realize the effect.
Frank, you captured the interior of this Cathedral so well with your great photos. I never get good photos inside buildings. The stained glass is so beautiful…another one for the list.
Thanks Gilda. That’s Lissette. I have the same issues as you with my camera.
Amazing, looks like an almost divine experience being inside that cathedral with all those colours and sunlight.
I remember the first time I was in awe with the beauty of stained glasses and the effect of the light was at the St Giles cathedral in Edinburgh. But it looks like a way smaller scale compared to the Leon one.
Thank you for taking the time to comment Felipe. Edinburgh: we’d like to go one day. Good to know about St. Giles.
It’s stunning, isn’t it? We were in awe of the grandeur. Thank you for the memory visit. Wherever we travel we have a tendency to seek out and explore cathedrals, churches, chapels, and basilicas, we never tire of seeing them. Not for the religious aspects, but instead we appreciate the art, history, and architecture. And, then I go in to my whole philosophical struggle with each visit. 🙂 I also have a huge obsession with pipe organs. I don’t know where it stems from but I am fascinated by them. If you ever make it to Braga, Portugal, the twin organs in the cathedral are extraordinary.
I’m glad you had time to explore Leon once you were out of lockdown.
I wonder how Abi feels about your obsession with pipe organs 🙂
I think you’re like me. I have zero religious beliefs. But what would Europe be like without these incredible buildings? I find it amazing the time, money, and effort that went into building them.