Basilica of San Isidoro, León facts for kids
The Basílica de San Isidoro de León is an old church in the city of León, in Castile and León, Spain. It stands where an ancient Roman temple once was. Its Christian history began in the early 900s. Back then, a monastery for Saint John the Baptist was built on this spot.
In 1063, the church was given a new name and purpose. It was dedicated to Saint Isidore of Seville. Isidore was an important archbishop from Seville. He was a famous scholar and religious thinker in Spain before the Arab invasions. With permission from the Muslim ruler of Seville, Isidore's remains were brought to León. They were buried in Christian land. Many visitors still come to see the saint's tomb today. High up on the outside of the church, you can see a statue of Saint Isidore. He is shown riding a horse, like a warrior.
In 1188, a very important meeting happened here. It was called the Cortes of León. This meeting is seen as one of the first examples of modern parliaments in Europe. This is according to UNESCO and a book by John Keane.
Contents
History of the Basilica
The first church here was built before the Arab period. It was built on the ruins of a temple to the Roman god Mercury. In the 900s, the kings of León started a group of Benedictine nuns on the site.
Later, a leader named Al-Mansur Ibn Abi Aamir (938–1002) conquered the area. The first church was destroyed, and the land was left in ruins. León was later rebuilt. A new church and monastery were started in the 1000s by Alfonso V of León.
Alfonso's daughter, Sancha of León, married Ferdinand. He was the Count of Castile. Sancha's brother, Bermudo III, started a war against Castile. Castilian troops, with help from Navarre, killed the Leonese king. Ferdinand I then became King of León. He and Queen Sancha gave a special crucifix to San Isidoro. This crucifix still has their names on it.
The church also became important because of its location. It was on the famous pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostella. Artists and builders from all over Europe came to work on the monastery.
The church was rebuilt as a basilica. Ferdinand I and Sancha rededicated it in 1063. They renamed it San Isidoro to honor St. Isidore. His remains had been moved to León.
Queen Sancha chose the new monastery as the royal burial place. Today, eleven kings, many queens, and nobles are buried there. They lie under the colorful vaults of the medieval "royal pantheon." In 1063, Saint Isidore's remains were moved to the chapel. A group of canons (priests) was set up to care for the monastery and the relics. Parts of the building, like the apse and transept, are in the Gothic style. Other parts are Romanesque or from the Renaissance period.
In 1072, after King Sancho died, Urraca of León and Castile called Alfonso VI back from exile. She made him king again. Together, they planned to make the basilica even bigger.
The basilica is still a collegiate foundation. The canons' daily prayers are still held there.
What You Can See
The Basilica Building
The basilica was built mostly in the Romanesque style. But it has had many additions over the centuries, including Gothic parts. The arches where the transept crosses look a bit like Islamic art. All these different styles blend together nicely.
One of the most famous parts is the carved tympanum above the Puerta del Cordero (Lamb's Door). It was made before 1100. This Romanesque carving shows the story of Abraham's sacrifice.
.jpg)
The Royal Pantheon
This is also known as the Pantheon of the Kings of León. It is the burial chapel for the kings of León. It is one of the best examples of Romanesque art still found in León. The columns have rare Visigothic capitals. These capitals have designs of flowers or historical scenes. The painted murals from the 1100s are very well preserved. They show scenes from the New Testament. They also show pictures of everyday country life from that time.
The Museum
The museum has many examples of early medieval art. You can see jeweled chalices and beautiful works made of ivory and precious metal. The library holds 300 medieval books. There are also many old manuscripts. One is a Mozarabic Bible from 960. Another is a Latin version written in the 600s. You can also find a text of the law code from the Visigothic rulers of Spain, also from the 600s. The Chalice of Doña Urraca is one of the most important items in this museum.
