Remains of the Roman presence

Remains of the old Roman wall which once surrounded León can still be seen.

The wall was built around a square area, and several buildings were built nearby. It was subsequently restored by Kings Alfonso V and Alfonso IX in order to give the city new entrance gates. The wall is built of stone and mortar. It has numerous large stone blocks, and in some sections it still conserves the original stonework. The part of this wall which can be visited begins at the Los Ponces Tower, which owes its name to Don Ponce de Minerva, valet to King Alfonso VII and the founder of the Monastery of Sandoval, Governor of the Towers of the City. The wall then continues towards the Castillo gate and from here to San Isidoro Tower.