The Cloister of Leon Cathedral is accessed from the outside, from the Calle Guzmán el Bueno, and, just like the interior, it was absolutely breathtakingly beautiful. Built in the 14C, it is also very big.
Inside the Cloister of the Cathedral
You walk into the Cloister from a modest street and are suddenly surrounded by sumptuous carvings on pillars and ceilings. It is very big, very grand, and very ornate. And I thought it is wonderful!
Statues in the Cloister
Statues line one wall in the Cloister. They were taken from the West Door of the cathedral and were removed during ‘restoration’.
Wall paintings in the Cloister of Leon Cathedral
Nicolás Francés, from 1459 onwards, made paintings on the walls of the Cloister. Today these are very faint, but they must have been remarkable in their day. He was also responsible for the original great altarpiece, some parts of which remain in today’s altarpiece.
Chapel of St Theresa
Between the Cloister and the church is the Chapel of St Theresa (no.9 on the plan above), but I can’t find any further information on the internet – odd. And a remarkable door into the Cathedral.
There is also a museum in the buildings around the Cloister and it holds many interesting items. But photographs are forbidden, which is a pity. Do visit!
Further information
Lots of details about the Cathedral
The development of the Cathedral and Cloister
The gargoyles of the Cathedral
Nicolás Francés (1424-68)
The Cathedal of Santiago de Compostelo - London Traveller
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