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León – City of Churches

01st May 2011

The colonial city of León [3] was originally founded in 1524 but was moved to its present site in the 17th century after an earthquake destroyed the old city. It is a city of churches, mostly built in the neoclassical style. Some have the supporting columns and ceilings made from centuries old hand hewn timber. The cathedral, the largest in Central America takes up an entire city block.

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The area around León is the most volcanic in Central America, with 10 active nearby. One of the activities is sliding down a volcano at 70 kph on a snow board – gave that a miss.

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Village church built by indigenous, near León

Village church built by indigenous, near León

Village church built by indigenous, near León

León Cathedral, the largest in Central America

One of the bells on the Cathedral

Leones (lions) guard the Cathedral

Collegio de San Ramon

Iglesia la Reccoleción

Iglesia el Calvario

Decorative wooden ceiling in the Iglesia el Calvario

Iglesia San Juan

Inside San Juan

Iglesia San Felipe

Angel stands outside san Felipe

Iglesia Zaragoza

Iglesia Laborio

Iglesia La Merced

Side door in Mudéjar style of La Merced

Corner doors are common in León

León street

Lady sells fruit along the street

A smoking volcano just ouside León

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