Dear Christine, Friends and Followers.
Written 10 June from Hospital de Orbigo (a town not a hospital)
As promised here are pictures of the Leon Cathedral. As a “bonus” we were walking in the countryside and as I passed what I call a “Hobbit House”.(looks like a big underground storm shelter)
I saw two young men working to clear an overgrowth of brush.
My curiosity drove me to try and communicate a question in pantomime, “What is this??”.
I eventually learned that it was a family bodega, underground wine storage. Originally his grandfather’s, but being restored and purposed by he and his brother. He invited us in!
I would not have been surprised to see bodies and Dracula’s bride. I’ve been 24 hours still pulling cobwebs from my hair and clothes.
Love you Christine.
Peace Everyone. Buen Camino! Pete
Nancy Antonette Wallingford says:
Thank you!
Pete Schloss says:
❤️
Joseph Ralph Tomelleri says:
That stained glass. WOW! So beautiful and delicately done.
Pete Schloss says:
“The church has nearly 1,800 square meters of stained glass windows. The great majority of them date from the thirteenth to the fifteenth century: a rarity among medieval gothic churches.”
The stained glass windows were entirely removed, cleaned, and re-reinstalled. A remarkable accomplishment which I believe occurred in the 19th century.
Joseph Ralph Tomelleri says:
It seems counterintuitive that a church built with so much glass is strong enough to survive
for 700 years. What builders and architects they were.
Pete Schloss says:
There was a major restoration in the 19th century. It almost all fell in!
Liz says:
Leon is the one big town that I have not ventured through on a Camino. I hope the heat isn’t too much, stay hydrated and have a wonderful time. 🙂
Pete Schloss says:
Knock on wood but we have had great weather so far!
Bert says:
No. 17, La Virgen de la Esperanza, or the Virgin of Hope. It is a stone statue carved at the end of the 13th century and polychromed later. It shows the Virgin Mary pregnant, which is relatively rare. She has a phylactery in her left hand. (Me, neither). She is also known as La Virgen de la O.
Pete Schloss says:
Thank you, Albert!
Susan Dye says:
Wow! I have been blessed to see many cathedrals throughout Europe and recently got to revisit the Sagrada Família, but wow! Leon’s is stunning!! Thanks for sharing and wishing you continued safe travels!
Pete Schloss says:
Thank you so much, Susan!