The final stretch into León is a walk of transition—from quiet countryside to the vibrant pulse of a historic city.
You’ll pass through Puente Villarente, where the impressive 12th-century bridge with its 17 arches spans the River Porma. This spot has long been a lifeline for pilgrims, and legend even speaks of a donkey kept nearby to help weary travelers reach León—a charming echo of the Camino’s enduring spirit of care. From there, the Camino passes through Puente Castro, once a medieval Jewish settlement, now a suburb of León, and you soon find yourself walking along bustling streets.
León was the ancient capital of the Kingdom of León and a city steeped in Roman and medieval history. The Camino leads you straight to its heart, where the Cathedral of Santa María de León stands in breathtaking Gothic splendor. Known for its stained-glass windows, among the finest in Europe, the cathedral is a kaleidoscope of light and color—a spiritual and architectural masterpiece that leaves pilgrims in awe.
Apart from the French Way, León is also the starting place for pilgrims walking the Camino de San Salvador, which starts at the Cathedral and ends at the cathedral in Oviedo, in the region of Asturias. In medieval times pilgrims would often take this detour to worship the relics that are found in the latter.
León offers everything a pilgrim could hope for—warm hospitality, vibrant plazas, ancient walls, and unforgettable sights. It’s a well-earned reward after the quiet days of the Meseta.
