Located in the heart of Lion, the museum of San Isidoro It is one of the most important centers of medieval art in Spain and whose expansion has recently been presented. This former monastery and royal palace houses a historical and artistic heritage of vital importance in the history of Spainparticularly because of its relationship with the Kings of the ancient kingdom of León: 23 kings and 320 years of reignOver the centuries, the Collegiate Church of San Isidoro has undergone continuous renovations and restorations, with the most recent musealization works being those that have improved both the conservation of heritage and the visitor experience.
So, in recent years, the museum of San Isidoro has carried out an expansion process which has enabled it to triple its exhibition space and to present unique and original pieces thanks to the patronage of Montemadrid Foundation, and the magnificent work of the architect, Juan Pablo Rodriguez FradeNational Restoration Prize.
This technique, which involved adapting the structures to bring them closer to their original state without affecting their heritage essence, allowed greater accessibility to the museum’s jewels, at the same time as it reinforced the protection and exhibition of the treasures it houses. guards.
Among the areas that have been worked on, the Chapter House and the Pantheon of the Kings stand out, where the new lighting, ventilation and climate conservation conditions have been optimized to guarantee the integrity of the Romanesque frescoes and other pieces of incalculable value. Furthermore, the creation of more fluid and educational routes has enriched the visitor experience, making access to heritage more understandable and respectful of modern conservation requirements.
The artistic gems of the museum
Among the most remarkable works of the Collegiate Church of San Isidoro de Leónis its extraordinary Royal Pantheon, known as the Romanesque Sistine Chapel, where the kings and queens are buried, as well as the children of Spain. It was the precursor, almost 500 years before, of the royal crypt of the royal monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. Its frescoes, painted between the 11th and 12th centuries, They constitute a unique testimony to Romanesque art.where scenes from Antiquity and the New Testamentas well as a representation of the agricultural calendar medieval. These frescoes surprise its vivid polychromy and the quality of its details, which continue to amaze experts and visitors alike.
The Chalice of Doña Urracaone piece emblematic of the medieval Leonese treasure, It is also one of the most valuable objects in the museum. This agate chalice, decorated with gold and precious stones, is one of the most sublime examples of the sumptuous art of the time. Its symbolic value is immense, as it is closely linked to Doña Urraca, daughter of King Fernando I of León, who was a great patron of the Collegiate Church.
Holy Grail
Today, in addition, The Chalice of Doña Urraca de León has been associated with the Holy Grail of the Catholic Church, that is, the cup from which Jesus drank at the Last Supper. In 2014, Spanish historians Marguerite Torres And Jose Miguel Ortega del Rio they published the book The Grail Kings -who will soon release a second opus-.
His research was based on manuscripts found in the Al-Azhar Library, Cairowho mention that a chalice was sent to the Emir of Denia (in present-day Spain) as a gift from Jerusalem in the 11th century. According to the authors, this chalice was later given to the King Ferdinand I of Leonwho donated it to the Collegiate Church. According to researchers, the description of this chalice in the texts would coincide with that preserved in the San Isidoro Museum.
Furthermore, the Ivory Chest and the Cross of Angels, Made of ivory and gold respectively, they are exceptional examples of medieval Christian art on display at the museum. These pieces, mostly donated by the Leonese monarchs, are distinguished not only by their artistic beauty, but also by their great religious and political significance.
Another remarkable piece is the peace bearer of San Isidoroa relic richly decorated with precious metals and enamels, used for centuries in the solemn ceremonies of the Collegiate Church. There are also several medieval manuscripts, including The Book of Testaments It is a source of great historical value, as it documents the history of the Kingdom of León and the royal donations to the church.
The Kings of Leon
The origin of San Isidoro de León dates back to the 11th century, when King Ferdinand I and his wife, Queen Sancha, They decided to move the remains of Saint Isidore, Bishop of Seville, in León, consecrating the collegiate church in his honor. Over the years, the church has become a favorite place for burial of the Leonese monarchswhich gives it a central role in religious and political life of the kingdom.
The kings of León, especially during the reign of Alfonso VI and his successors, not only promoted the construction and beautification of the monastery, but also made it a a center of knowledge and spirituality. The relationship between the royal family and Saint Isidore He was so close that many of them chose to rest forever in the Royal Pantheon, which remains today a reminder of the greatness and power of the Kingdom of Leon in the Middle Ages.
The Museum of San Isidoro, with its recent mesialization works, preserves not only the glorious past of Romanesque art and medieval history, but also It projects itself into the future as a reference in terms of heritage conservation.. A place where art, history and royalty intertwine in a space that continues to fascinate all who pass through its doors.
León: cradle of parliamentarianism
The city of León is historically recognized as the cradle of modern parliamentarianism, a key milestone in the history of world democracy. This distinction dates back to the year 1188, when King Alfonso IX of León summoned the Cortes of Leónthe first of Europe in which they participated representatives of the citizens, as well as nobles and clergy, to discuss matters of state. This fact has been recognized by the UNESCO in 2013, who included it in the “Memory of the World” program as the first example of a parliamentary system with citizen participation.
The Cortes held in 1188 in the cloister of San Isidoro de León They set a unique precedent, since they included not only the traditional classes (nobility and clergy), but also the bourgeoisie, representing the cities. This system of representation was a decisive step forward for the inclusion of citizens in political decisions, a revolutionary concept in the world Medieval Europe.
During these Cortes, fundamental aspects of the governance of the kingdom were discussed and approved, highlighting issues related to justice, individual freedoms and civil rights, principles that laid the foundations for future parliamentary institutions throughout Europe. In addition, Alfonso IX secured the Fuero de Leóna set of laws that protected these rights and established norms of coexistence and social organization.
Thus, León, cradle of parliamentarianism according to UNESCO, is not only a key city in the history of Spain, but also a global symbol of progressand representative institutions and citizen participation in politics.
