When it comes to traveling, Mexico has some fantastic places to explore and visit. Leon is one of those cities. Located in the state of Guanajuato, it is the most populated city in the region. Known as the Shoe Capital of the World, the city is famous for the variety of shoes and leather goods that are cheaper than in other cities. The leather industry dominates the city, and you will find all kinds of top-quality clothing and accessories, such as belts, boots, jackets, and many other items. The city is also home to the International Footwear Fair.
There are several attractions and places to visit that no traveler should miss, such as the Plaza de los Fundadores, the León Cathedral, the Expiatory Temple of the Sacred Heart, the Triumphal Arch, the Plaza de Gallos, the León Fair, La Tertulia, or the Sculpture Garden.
Poliforum León is a convention center located in the city of León, Guanajuato, in the heart of Mexico. Spread over 67 hectares of area, it has 40 years of history, innovation and impact on the city. With multiple spaces, Poliforum becomes the perfect host for different types of events, both business and social, cultural and entertainment. In addition to all this, fairs and exhibitions are also organized within its facilities.
The Aquarium of Bajio is located inside the Altacia Shopping Center, in Leon. Its objective is to conserve and preserve marine life. It is home to more than 10,000 specimens of nearly 300 species, such as sharks, jellyfish, seahorses, starfish and brine shrimp. But that's not all, visitors can also see coral reefs, which are in serious danger of extinction. The aquarium has scheduled shows to enjoy all marine species.
Also known as "El Expiatorio", the Expiatory Temple of the Sacred Heart is located in Leon, Mexico. It is in neo-Gothic style. The stained glass windows, the red and green granite floor or the bronze doors of the temple's facade are just some of the examples of its amazing architecture. Religious services such as masses, confessions and prayers take place inside.
León is known as the “Shoe Capital of the World,” and offers an incredible variety of options in leather goods. Located in the heart of León, Zona Piel is the ideal place to buy leather and shoes. It is the largest footwear and leather goods shopping center in the country, with more than 4,500 stores specializing in leather goods such as: shoes, jackets, bags and accessories for all tastes.
Built in the year 1967, the León Stadium is located in the city of León. Home to Club León, the stadium has hosted countless football matches such as the FIFA World Cup in 1970, the FIFA World Youth Championship in 1983, and the FIFA World Cup in 1986. Aside from these matches, the León Stadium also hosted the football matches that took place during the 1968 Olympic Games.
Founders' Square is an important historical site in Leon. Here you will find the Fountain of the Lions, a large work of art with four lions, each symbolizing a century of the fourth centenary of the founding of the city, and on one side of the square, there is a plaque with the names of the first 40 Spanish settlers and founders of the city. Founders' Square is a great place for people to sit, walk around, and enjoy the architecture, sculptures, and history hidden in the corners of this square.
Martyrs' Square of the 2nd of January, formerly known as the Constitution Square, was renamed after the unfortunate events of 2 January 1946. Many citizens lost their lives in protests following the election results. Today, Martyrs' Square is now a lovely, peaceful garden, filled with benches to sit under in the shade of its trees. Surrounded by shops and restaurants, visitors can take the opportunity to see some live performances.
Another famous place that should not be missed on your itinerary is the Museo de Arte e Historia de Guanajuato, located in the city of León. Here visitors can learn more about the culture, history and heritage of the State of Guanajuato. In the museum you will find a sculpture of the martyr and patron saint of the city of León, Saint Sebastian. Art lovers will enjoy the works of the best Mexican artists, which show us life during different periods of history. The museum has permanent collections and some temporary exhibitions.
Located in León, Explora Eco Park is an ecological park perfect for all audiences, from runners and skateboarders to families with children. It houses the Explora Science Center, one of the best-known and best-equipped science museums; the IMAX® 3D Room, one of the largest in Mexico with a capacity for 2,100 people; and the Lake Forum, an artificial lake where you can see fish, turtles and ducks.
León, the “Shoe Capital of the World”, has countless shops and stores. Thus, all visitors can enjoy shopping not only for shoes, but also for other leather goods at very affordable prices. Some of the most sought-after items here are belts, wallets, handbags, boots, jackets and other accessories. In addition, there are several shopping malls that are quite famous, such as Max Shopping Mall, Altacia Shopping Mall and Plaza Mayor.
The Zooleón was founded on September 19, 1979. The wildlife collection began with some birds from the region, white-tailed deer, domestic ducks and horses, and later added herbivorous animal species to the Zooleón family. The León Zoo has an average of 1,058 specimens of 197 different species, being a project that covers aspects of conservation, environmental education and recreation for the community.
León Cathedral is a Catholic church located in the historic center of León, Guanajuato, Mexico. Consecrated in 1866, it soon became the seat of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of León. The church was designed in the neoclassical style of the Doric order, except for the western side door, which is in the Spanish Baroque style; its atrium has a triple Hellenistic portico built as a monument to the Virgin of Light, patron saint of the city and the diocese. León Cathedral is a great place where, in addition to appreciating its beauty, you can learn about the different architectural styles that compose it.
Inspiration can be found everywhere
León is one of the most industrialized cities in Guanajuato, recognized worldwide for the quality of the leather goods and footwear produced there. However, tourism is a growing activity. Today, its streets contrast the old buildings of the colonial era with the modern architecture and wide avenues that make up the image of a city in continuous progress.