The Cloister of Leon Cathedral

posted in: Europe, Home, Leon, Spain | 0

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.

Calle de Guzman el Bueno
The floorplan of the Cathedral & Cloister, Leon (wikipedia)
The floorplan of the Cathedral & Cloister, Leon (https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archivo:Leon_catedral_planta.png)

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!

Cloister of Leon Cathedral
The Cloister of the Cathedral
Ceiling of the Cloister of Leon Cathedral
The ceiling in the Cloister of the Cathedral
Ceiling in the Cloister of Leon Cathedral
Ceiling in the Cloister of Leon Cathedral
Leon Cathedral Cloister
Cloister of Leon Cathedral

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’.

The Cloister of Leon Cathedral
The Cloister of Leon Cathedral
In the Cloister
Statue in the Cloister

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.

Wall paintings in the Cloister
Chapel in one of the alcoves in the Cloister

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.

The Chapel of St Theresa
The nearby door into the Cathedral
Carvings on the nearby door into the Cathedral
Carvings on the nearby 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)

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