19 km | 5-6 hours | +215m / -178m
A short stage that approaches and enters Leon, one of Spain's great cities. The walking is flat and the suburban approach, while not scenic, leads to an extraordinary urban reward. Leon is one of the top three cities on the Frances alongside Pamplona and Burgos.
The approach passes through the suburb of Puente Castro before entering the city along tree-lined avenues. The old town reveals itself gradually, with the stunning Gothic cathedral visible from a distance. Leon's cathedral is famous for its stained glass windows, among the finest in Europe.
Leon has world-class attractions including the cathedral, the Basilica de San Isidoro (with its Romanesque frescoes, the 'Sistine Chapel of Romanesque art'), and the Casa Botines designed by Gaudi. The Barrio Humedo (old quarter) is one of Spain's best tapas districts. Full services at every level.
Terrain: Flat approach roads, suburban streets, urban walking, cobblestoned old town
Mansilla de las Mulas is a walled medieval town in Leon, founded as a fortified Camino stop by King Fernando II in 1181. Walls largely intact. Has albergues, hotels, restaurants, cafes, shops, pharmacies, ATMs.
Villamoros de Mansilla is a small village in Leon a short walk west of Mansilla de las Mulas. Has a bar-restaurant. No albergue, shop, pharmacy, or ATM. A passing point rather than a stop.
Puente Villarente takes its name from the long medieval bridge over the river Porma, in Leon. A pilgrim hospital operated here from the 11th century under Alfonso VI. Has albergues, bar-restaurants, and a small shop. No pharmacy or ATM.
Arcahueja is a small village in Leon on the southern approach to the city, in the low farmland below the suburban ridge. Has an albergue and a bar-restaurant. No shop, pharmacy, or ATM. Final overnight option before walking into Leon.
One of only three buildings Antonio Gaudi designed outside Catalonia. A neo-Gothic fortress-like structure that shocked Leon's residents when it was built in 1894.
Known as the 'House of Light' for its 1,800 square metres of medieval stained glass windows, more glass than stone, making it one of the greatest Gothic cathedrals in Europe.
An 11th-century basilica whose Royal Pantheon is covered in Romanesque frescoes so extraordinary they are called the 'Sistine Chapel of Romanesque Art.'
Leon is a Roman-founded city in northwest Spain and the medieval capital of the Kingdom of Leon. Famous for its French Gothic cathedral, the Romanesque Pantheon of Kings at San Isidoro, and the parador hotel at San Marcos. Has full city services.
15 places to stay between Mansilla de las Mulas and Leon
Accommodation at the start of this stage (useful for booking the night before)
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Accommodation at the end of this stage
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