The Basilica of San Isidoro of Leon stands on the ground which was once a Roman temple. Its Christian roots can be traced back to the early 10th century when a monastery for Saint John the Baptist was erected on the grounds. During the 10th century Benedictine nuns lodged at the monastery which was known as the Church of San Pelayo during this time. The church San Isidoro in León is doubtlessly one of the most important stations along the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. San Isidoro, the coronation church of the Castilian-Leonesic dynasty, is famous because of the comprehensive building sculpture that pervades the structure both in the interior and exterior. Also the magnificently furnished gravesite of the kings of León-Castile, the so-called Panteón de los reyes that borders directly on the church, impresses with its high-quality mural paintings and capitals
