The Santa Maria Cathedral is considered one of the most interesting Gothic style buildings in Spain and it is famous all around the world particularly for its stained glass windows that survived virtually intact since the 13th and 15th Century. The construction of the Santa Maria de León cathedral started in 1255, in place of a Roman church, which in turn was built on the foundation of ancient roman thermals. The main cathedral is located on the Western side; according to a Christian tradition, the sculptural depiction of the Judgment Day (13th Century) are kept there. In the center – God, the judge, surrounded by angels, a bit lower – the sinners in Hell and the righteous in Heaven, playing musical instruments. The figures on the column depict biblical prophets and evangelists. The southern façade is decorated with figures of prophets, apostles, and many other figures (some copied from Cathedral de Burgos) all carved in stone.
The stained glass windows of the Santa Maria Cathedral naturally attract the most attention – their total surface extends to 1800 square meters; and there is a total of 125 big windows, and 57 smaller ones. The images on the stained glass windows are varied: you will see simple ornaments, biblical scenes, heraldic symbols of the kings of Asturias y León. Pay attention to the gigantic window shaped like a rose, on the western wall, and the windows on the eastern apsidal, featuring scenes from life in the Middle ages, street musicians, and workers in the fields.
There is also Santa Maria Cathedral museum. You will be able to see the interior yard of the cathedral if you visit. The inner yard is shaped in the form of Gothic arcade galleries. The museum holds a large collection of medieval art, including paintings, sculptures, illustrated manuscripts, and much more. Inside the Cathedral special interests may include a wonderful choir, a tomb of king Ordoño II of León, adorned with 15th Century ornaments, and near the altar in the Southern wing there are tombs of several other kings León.
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