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Church · León, Castela e Leão
Real Colegiata de San Isidoro
Romanesque complex from the 11th and 12th centuries with the Pantheon of the Kings of León, covered with 12th‑century mural paintings, and the museum housing the chalice of Doña Urraca.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Real Colegiata de San Isidoro
The Real Colegiata de San Isidoro is one of the most important Romanesque complexes in Spain. It began as a monastery dedicated to São Pelágio and changed its name in 1063, when kings Fernando I and Sancha brought from Sevilha the remains of Santo Isidoro, a bishop and scholar from the Visigothic era. It was built and expanded over the 11th and 12th centuries, next to the Roman wall.
The best-known part is the Panteão dos Reis, a low chamber at the foot of the church where kings, queens and infantes of Leão are buried. The vaults and walls are covered with 12th-century Romanesque paintings, preserved with their original colors: Christ in majesty, scenes from the life of Jesus, the annunciation to the shepherds and a calendar showing the agricultural tasks for each month. Because of the ensemble, the pantheon is called the Capela Sistina do românico.
The collegiate museum houses pieces of goldsmith work, textiles and manuscripts. The most sought-after is the cálice de dona Urraca, an 11th-century onyx and gold cup that some researchers have linked to the Santo Graal tradition. The library holds medieval codices.
The church, with the portais do Cordeiro and do Perdão, is open outside Masses; the pantheon and the museum have separate visits.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 to 1.5 hours.
Best time
In the morning or early afternoon. Visits to the pantheon and the museum have their own schedules; check before you go.
How to get there
It is located in the praça de San Isidoro, in the old town, next to the wall, about a 10-minute walk from the cathedral and Casa Botines.
Tip
Look at the calendar of months painted on one of the pantheon's arches: each month is shown with an agricultural task, such as pruning, harvesting and the pig slaughter.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Real Colegiata de San Isidoro
What is the Panteón de los Reyes of San Isidoro?
It is the room where kings and queens of León are buried, with vaults covered in 12th-century Romanesque paintings, called the Sistine Chapel of the Romanesque.
What is the chalice of Doña Urraca?
It is an onyx and gold cup from the 11th century, kept in the museum of San Isidoro, which some researchers have linked to the tradition of the Holy Grail.
How long does the visit to San Isidoro take?
About 1 to 1.5 hours, including the pantheon and the museum.