ROUTE OF THE MOZARABS

The name Mozarab (from the Arabic musta'rab or "arabized") is used to designate those Spanish Christians who lived in Muslim territory during the period that ran from the year 711, following the conquest of the Iberian Peninsula by the Arabs, to the 11th century. By extension, all cultural, artistic and architectural expressions developed by these people are called Mozarabic. Just 30 km from the city of León is San Miguel de Escalada. This historical structure was erected by Cordoba monks in the year 913. San Miguel de Escalada Church was declared a national monument in 1886. In León, capital of the old kingdom of Asturica and León, hidden away in the historic district, stands Palat de Rey Chuch. It also dates from the 10th century. The church, which was part of the León palace complex, displays some of its Mozarabic heritage. Other valuable works to delight visitors to León are the Mozarabic Bible in the Collegiate Church of San Isidoro, the antiphonary in the cathedral and the cross from Peñalba de Santiago, on display at the Museum of León.

Near the city of Ponferrada, the chapel of Santo Tomás de las Ollas, located in the town of the same name, dates from the 10th century. In this structure, Mozarabic elements coexist with other architectural styles, reflecting the changes made to the building over the years. Santiago de Peñalba, at the entrance to the Valle del Silencio (Valley of Silence) and 37 km from Villafranca del Bierzo, is another excellent example of the Mozarabic style in León. This monastery was built between the years 931 and 937 and was designated a national historic/artistic monument in 1931. St. Genadio, a 10th-century saintly hermit, is considered one of the main promoters of the "art of resettlement" because of his work on restoring and founding monasteries in the Bierzo region. The cave where he retired to practice his asceticism is near Peñalba in the Valley of Silence and can be reached via a gentle signed footpath. Sociological studies indicate that the 21st century will be marked by man's intense search for spirituality. In the 10th century, 1100 years ago, spirituality left its mark on a number of actions whose expression we can enjoy while traveling this Route of the Mozarabs in León.