Sorry that I have been so long getting to this post. It has been insanely busy! Once I get this done we can move on to the other events and happenings.
León, what can I say. It is a city of intrigue and interest. First, the city hosts a beautiful gothic Cathedral with over 170 stained-glass windows and four stunning rosetta windows. Below are views of the exterior.
The tympanum above the principal portico:
This is the south side of the Cathedral
And here is one of the rosetta windows from the outside. Each design is distinct.
The rosetta windows are stunning. Here are three of them from the transept and the main portico.
A couple of final observations:
First, behind the main altar is this scene.
Below the three central figures of the Glorified Christ and two apostles are two crucifixion scenes. The one to the right is the commonly known "Descent from the Cross" with the presence of his mother Mary. The one to the left is seen in several locations and represents the moment when the soldier pierces Christ's side with a lance (John 19:34). In early Christian lore this soldier is called Longinus. As we know from scripture both water and blood came from the wound. Since the time of Origin this moment has been interpreted as evidence of both His divinity (the water) and his humanity (the blood). This teaching is reinforced during mass when the priest pours a small amount of water into the wine cup. According to some medieval lore Longinus was blind. When he pierced the Savior's side a drop of blood fell into his eye and he was healed. From that moment on he believed in the divinity of Christ. Below is a detail of that moment. I offer it to you because the story is interesting, but also because this representation creates an intimate moment as Longinus looks up to see the Savior's face and the face of the Savior seems to correspond with a benevolent and loving "glance." The artist must have felt deeply about this moment and tried to represent it as best he could.
The final point is this. As we saw in Toro, the Cathedral also has a representation of a pregnant Virgin Mary. These are rare pieces and to have seen two in one trip is highly unusual.
The city offers beautiful streets and constant entertainment. While we were in the plaza in front of the Cathedral a drumming group performed.
Some of our students also got into the "hang out" mentality and played a little "hack-sac" in the plaza.
Above the door is the figure of the glorified Christ. Below his feet are those who are saved and glorified (playing musical instruments; picture to the left) and those who are condemned (being boiled in pots and consumed by beasts, picture to the right).
The main pillar at the doorway marks this space as falling under the authority of the Kingdom of León and Castilla
This is the south side of the Cathedral
And here is one of the rosetta windows from the outside. Each design is distinct.
Next, for a view of the interior with its splashes of color throughout. The windows tell a story as you enter. You move from the natural world of plants toward the glorification of God and the main altar.
The Main Altar
The rosetta windows are stunning. Here are three of them from the transept and the main portico.
A couple of final observations:
First, behind the main altar is this scene.
Below the three central figures of the Glorified Christ and two apostles are two crucifixion scenes. The one to the right is the commonly known "Descent from the Cross" with the presence of his mother Mary. The one to the left is seen in several locations and represents the moment when the soldier pierces Christ's side with a lance (John 19:34). In early Christian lore this soldier is called Longinus. As we know from scripture both water and blood came from the wound. Since the time of Origin this moment has been interpreted as evidence of both His divinity (the water) and his humanity (the blood). This teaching is reinforced during mass when the priest pours a small amount of water into the wine cup. According to some medieval lore Longinus was blind. When he pierced the Savior's side a drop of blood fell into his eye and he was healed. From that moment on he believed in the divinity of Christ. Below is a detail of that moment. I offer it to you because the story is interesting, but also because this representation creates an intimate moment as Longinus looks up to see the Savior's face and the face of the Savior seems to correspond with a benevolent and loving "glance." The artist must have felt deeply about this moment and tried to represent it as best he could.
The final point is this. As we saw in Toro, the Cathedral also has a representation of a pregnant Virgin Mary. These are rare pieces and to have seen two in one trip is highly unusual.
The city offers beautiful streets and constant entertainment. While we were in the plaza in front of the Cathedral a drumming group performed.
Some of our students also got into the "hang out" mentality and played a little "hack-sac" in the plaza.
We also visited the Basilica of San Isidoro that houses a stunning crypt. Unfortunately we could not take photos, so here is a look from the exterior.
On the way home we stopped in to see a beautiful castle in Coca. It was fun watching the students run around playing "sardines" until we were able to go into the building. This is a great group of young people who obvious enjoy each other's company. We are very blessed!
(and it had a great moat!)
(I think that I might be missing someone!!! Are they still hiding somewhere on the castle grounds?)
So great! Love the picture sitting on the wall. We miss Jake!
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