REVELATIONS in an explosive new book look set to spark a rush of tourists to the Spanish city of León.

Historians have allegedly 'identified' a jewel-encrusted chalice in a local church as the mythical Holy Grail which has already brought flocks of pilgrims to the area since the news broke last month.

The whereabouts of the cup from which Jesus Christ drank at the Last Supper has been the subject of centuries of historical and theological debate, not to mention chivalric questing. It even featured in one of the Indiana Jones adventures on the big screen.

In the headline catching new book, two historians from León University claim to have identified an ancient goblet in the city's San Isidro basilica as the legendary religious item.

According to parchments found by the book's authors, Muslims took the prized relic from Jerusalem to Cairo, where it was later given as a peace offering to Fernando, a powerful local Christian Spanish king.

In Europe alone there are 200 supposed Holy Grails!

However, this latest claim has already aroused much excitement and this is expected to continue throughout the summer months.

Now discerning pilgrims can enjoy the ideal base in the Spanish city at half the price, thanks to a special offer from the five-star Parador de León.

Originally built in the 16th century by the Spanish king Ferdinand the Catholic as headquarters for the Military Order of St James, the Parador de León is an ideal base for visitors on the trail of the Holy Grail.

Located in the city centre, the hotel is within walking distance of both León University and the San Isidro basilica. Widely recognised as one of the most important Renaissance buildings in Spain, the spectacular hotel is centred around a magnificent cloister, chapter house, banqueting halls and library.

One of the key stops on the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route, León is steeped in history. The area's rich Catholic cultural heritage is evident everywhere in the city: as well as the San Isidoro basilica, which also houses the so-called Royal Pantheon, the funeral chapel of the kings of Castile and León.

Visitors can also visit the Catholic Museum, home to a collection of early-Romanesque carved statues of the Virgin Mary, while art lovers can also explore the celebrated León Museum of Contemporary Art, or simply admire the architecture as they wander the cobbled streets of the Old Quarter.

The Parador de León is currently offering discounts of up to 50 per cent on half-board breaks for two.

Prices for travel this month start from 298 euros – the equivalent of just £62 per person per night - including two nights' accommodation for two adults sharing, daily breakfast, daily three-course lunch or dinner for two, and taxes.

For further information and reservations, visit www.keytel.co.uk or telephone +44 (0) 20 7953 3020.