Updated on:
by
Cove Team
Cove Team
Spain is a beautiful country with many splendid places and enthralling activities. Like any other country, the capital cities are always the most popular and visited by tourists. Many first-time travellers fall into the trap of missing the hidden gems of many places.
One of the most magnificent cities in Spain is León, a not-very-popular city that offers plenty of attractions. You will be in for various treats, especially if you like history. León is home to several spots that unravel significant events in Spain’s history.
Many visitors to this beautiful city have reported that León has this unique energy. The breeze shuns out an outstanding ambience that makes you fall in love with everything about it. It’s rich in history, secrets to discover, and picturesque landscapes to explore.
From historic buildings and art museums to appealing sceneries and palaces, there’s much to go over with a fine-tooth comb. We’ve created this exciting itinerary to guide you through the streets of León.
Table of Contents
1. The León Museum (Museo de León)
Would you like to embark on a journey through Spain’s history? Then the León Museum should be your next stop. It is located in Plaza San Domingo in the Castilla y León region and’s deemed the oldest and largest history museum.
The museum has two buildings, the main one being the Pallarés building and the other being the historic building. The historic building is located in the convent of San Marcos; however, they are both adjacent to one another.
The collections in the display will take you through different history ages, displaying every activity that once took place in León. They also showcase artefacts, starting from the Paleolithic until today. Some of them even date as far back as the Iron Age. Some artefacts belong to the Bronze Age.
2- Castile and León Museum of Contemporary Art (Museo de Arte Contemporáneo)
The Spanish call this architectural masterpiece the MUSAC, but tourists know it as the Museum of Contemporary Art. This wonderful building is eye-catching, with exterior glass that imitates that of the León Cathedral. It has the exact seven colours of a rainbow, making the building an arresting figure.
You expect to see art within this striking building, and you’re not wrong about that. The museum houses thousands of artworks by Spanish artists, especially those from León and international ones. As the name suggests, the displayed art is from our modern age, with the oldest dating back to only the ‘90s.
Inside the museum is a vast library encompassing several books of different genres. The busiest area of the building is also the retail area, which has workshops and five exhibition rooms.
3- The Palace of the Guzmanes (Palacio de los Guzmanes)
This beautiful palace, the Palace of the Guzmanes, is an attractive Renaissance building that proudly sits in León. It’s considered the Provincial Government seat of the city since the government bought it and repaired it back in 1882.
Before the government purchased it, this building witnessed a severe deterioration. It was home to the Guzmanes family, one of León’s influential and wealthiest families in the 16th century. Rodrigo Gil de Hontañón was the palace’s designer and the most prominent architect.
This lavish-looking building looks like it has been resurrected from ancient times. It represents elegance and luxury. A handful of statues represent different figures at the palace entrance. There is also that fear-inducing bucket in the façade with six snakes looking as if they’re getting out.
4- Plaza Mayor de León
No one steps into the splendid city of León and leaves without visiting its historic square, Plaza Mayor. Not only is it historic, it’s also the most famous square in León and the most appealing one.
This brilliantly constructed square features several bars, eateries, and pubs. You can sample authentic Spanish dishes or drinks from all these. We suggest that you don’t deprive your taste sense of this exceptional delight. Introduce your taste buds to brand-new delicacies.
5- Parque de La Candamia
Parks are great destinations when you have your family members for company. Interestingly, León offers some of the world’s most beautiful parks and gardens. Parque La Candamia is one of the most popular tourist attractions in León.
The park offers alluring scenes of greenery and beautiful lakes. Right beside the park lies the river Torio, adding more glimmer to the already ravishing park. This spot perfectly serves those who love to steal moments of tranquillity away from the bustling cities.
You can also have fun playing around or going for a brisk walk. Looking around, you will find many locals meditating for a spot of serenity. So, whatever suits you best, head to this beautiful park, enjoy the weather, and have some moments that you’ll never forget.
6- The Palace of Count Luna (Palacio del Conde Luna)
Have you expected a country as bright as León would be home to a building with a Gothic semblance? Well, this indeed adds more thrill to the trip. León is home to the Palacio del Conde Luna or Palace of Count Luna. It also dates back to the 14th century and has that gothic-like style with an intimidating ambience.
What we see today is not how the museum looked like when it was initially built. In the 16th century, the conqueror of Mexico, Hernán Cortés, requested a three-story tower addition for his daughter.
This museum has a small construction body, but its walls are rich in the history of the León Kingdom. The palace used to be the seat of the original Kingdom before Ferdinand and Isabel’s political reign. Today, the University of Washington houses a study centre in the tower under an agreement with the City of León.
7- Convento de San Marcos
Convento de San Marcos was a remarkable convent in León located in Plaza San Marcos. However, it today serves as a lavish hotel and is still a significant monument in León. Although it may have become a hotel, it still contains a church. The good news is that there is also a museum.
Some also refer to it as Parador de León. It is one of Spain’s most significant architectural masterpieces and a prominent tourist attraction. The Basilica of San Isidoro and Casa Botines (Museo Gaudí) are also great attractions in Plaza San Marcos.
During Spain’s darkest periods, the monastery turned the whole building into cells and offices for jailers. A significant number of people were imprisoned in the dungeons of San Marcos. It also witnessed many murders during the periods of repression.
8- The Basilica of Saint Isidoro (Basílica de San Isidoro)
Another attraction in Plaza San Marcos is the Basilica of Saint Isidoro. You should visit it and learn about the religious past of León. Before dedicating the monastery to Saint Isidoro, it used to be under the name of Saint John the Baptist.
The tomb of the saint is on the same grounds as the church. It still attracts people from different places around the world. You will also see sculpted figures on the façade, including that of Saint Isidore. There are many tales to hear about those figures and the past of that place.
9- The Museum of Sierra-Pambley (Museo Sierra-Pambley)
Isn’t it interesting to observe a life from the past that still has its traces to this day? The museum of Sierra-Pambley has been around since the 19th century. It belonged to a wealthy family in the elite society at that time. Segundo Sierra-Pambley owned this house; he requested its construction in 1848.
However, the museum only started welcoming visitors in 2006. The furniture pieces you will see inside are the original items used by the Sierra-Pambley family. Even the wallpapers, carpets, and mirrors haven’t been changed since then. Interestingly, everything remains in good shape despite the many years that have passed.
