97th day/July 5th: Villarente - Valverde de la Virgen

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The day is eventful with Léon, there is a lot to see.

That's why we start early in the morning at 6 o'clock. Petra and I are already there after 8 o'clock and get a personal tour from a Spaniard.

First glimpse of Léon

Bridge over the Río Tório

Remains of the old city wall

There are two routes through Léon, the original Camino de Santiago and the ancient Roman road:

Roman Road

Camino de Santiago

We pass by Gaudí with the Casa Botines...

Gaudí

Gaudí must endure this

... before we reach the magnificent cathedral, which is modeled after the one in Reims.

The pregnant Virgin and Mother of God

Cloister

The cathedral was truly filled with light, the visit was worth it.

306 km to Santiago: there are really different distance indications, but this one is friendly (there may be a few more)

Afterwards, we go to the national shrine: the Basilica de San Isidoro, a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture.

Basilica de San Isidoro

Finally, we reach the Monasteria de San Marcos, formerly a pilgrim's hostel, now a luxury hotel.

James the Great towers above as a mighty Moor slayer.

We don't make it more than 25 km through León, but the pilgrim's hostel with its garden, foot baths for cooling off, hammocks, and garden is worth it.

300 out of 3000 km still ahead, fantastic!