San Marcos. Anexo del Museo de León
Monumental annex of the León Museum in the former San Marcos convent, with three rooms on the history of the building; free admission.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The San Marcos convent was the main seat of the Order of Santiago in the Kingdom of León. Its origins go back to the Middle Ages, but nothing survives from that period: the present complex was built between the 16th century and the early 18th century. The east façade dates from the first half of the 16th century and the one facing the river from the early 18th century. The church is an example of the so-called Reyes Católicos style (Catholic Monarchs style), the last phase of Spanish Gothic. The former sacristy, decorated with sculptures, is the work of Juan de Badajoz the Younger and is dated 1549.
After the disentailment (desamortización) the building passed into state hands and was used for various purposes. The León Museum was housed here from its opening to the public in 1869 until 2007, when it moved to its new home in the Pallarés building. Since then San Marcos has operated as a monumental annex of the museum. In the sixties of the 20th century the construction of the Parador Nacional (state-run hotel) significantly altered the complex.
The free visit covers three rooms. “De lo que fue San Marcos” (What San Marcos Was) explains the history and interpretation of the monument. “De lo que tuvo San Marcos” (What San Marcos Had) brings together goods once owned by the complex, including two series of paintings with portraits of Knights of the Order of Santiago and scenes from Genesis. The cloister room shows the uses of the building after it became state property. The pilgrim's credential (credencial del peregrino) is stamped on site.
Highlights
- Former convent and main seat of the Order of Santiago in the Kingdom of León
- Sacristy of 1549 with sculptural decoration by Juan de Badajoz the Younger
- Church in the Reyes Católicos style, the last phase of Spanish Gothic
- Series of paintings of Knights of the Order of Santiago and scenes from Genesis
- Free admission and stamping of the pilgrim's credential
Permanent exhibition
- Salas del anexo monumental de San Marcos – Three free rooms on the history of the monument, the goods it once owned and the uses of the building after the disentailment.
- Operated by
- Junta de Castilla y León (anexo del Museo de León)
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Admission to the San Marcos annex is free.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
No wifi service for visitors is mentioned.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Photography | Photographs without flash or tripods are allowed for private use; other uses require permission. |
| Good to know | The museum's website has a section on guided visits, without giving times. Animals are not allowed, smoking is prohibited, and food or drink may not be brought in. Visitors are asked to show respect during religious services. The pilgrim's credential is stamped on site. |
