The Way to Land's End

There was a lot of walking during our rest day in León. We left our backpacks in our room as we set off to explore the city. So you could say in that respect, it was a rest. We began at the Cathedral again, sitting outside on the benches and just staring at its stately beauty. I am infatuated. The large rose window hypothesizes me. 

Next, we enter the attached museum and chapel. No photographs were allowed. The museum contained a wide array of religious art and also an assortment of practical items from ages past. There were Roman coins, knives, swords, pots and bottles. The chapel contained  a sculpture called “Virgen del Camino”, reminiscent of The Pieta by Michaelango. It depicts Mary holding Jesus after the Crucifixion. However, in this version Jesus is face down. As I entered the chapel, I could feel a shift in the atmosphere. The smell of incense lingered in the air and low chandeliers cast a subdued glow on the simple stone arches of the room. A hush filled the air and all eyes were draw to the mother holding her only child in her arms in the center of the alter. It was quite moving. 

Our search for a superb meal was successful at last in León. The first course was a mixed salad with roasted vegetables and squid. The second course was cod with garlic sauce (a speciality of the region), kale and mushrooms. Dessert was a torrija (a kind of French toast with a creamy center) topped with toffee sauce. 

After lunch, we decided to hop aboard a train that takes visitors around the city. Among the sights was the original Roman wall that surrounded the city. We were also given the history of the town and shown it’s major plazas, fountains and statues. 

Towards the end of the day, I realized that although I had enjoyed León, I was itching to get back on the trail. As we say on the Camino, “Ultreia” – which loosely translates to “onward”!