The name of the city has nothing to do with lions. Leon - the word "legion" that has changed over time, the Roman Legion of Septimus was once located here, guarding the gold mines. The city lies on the path of pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela to the relics of St. James - the heavenly patron of Spain. Surrounded by the fortress walls stands the Cathedral of Santa Maria. This cathedral is one of the most significant Gothic buildings in Spain, its construction began in 1255. Before that, there was a Romanesque church built on the foundations of even earlier Roman baths.→