Ensanche district
The name of the Ensanche district refers to the outwards growth that the city underwent from the Avenida de Ordoño II and Plaza de Santo Domingo. This expansion took place in the early 20th century in response to bourgeois demands for a type of urban planning that responded to their new commercial and residential interests. This district grew as a continuation of the network of medieval streets of the Barrio Húmedo (Wet Neighbourhood). We highly recommend taking a stroll around León’s Centro district, which includes the well-known Barrio Romántico (Romantic Neighbourhood) and its impressive monuments, as well as the ‘Ensanche’.
Interestingly, the Barrio Húmedo and the Barrio Romántico are located directly opposite each other. They are connected by the Calle Ancha (Wide Street), which means it is possible to visit one after the other. As you walk down its streets and admire its series of fabulous façades, you’ll soon realise why it is referred to as the Romantic Neighbourhood. As you look around, be sure to visit the Plaza de San Marcelo and the church of the same name, the Torreblanca Palace and the Casa de la Poridad. You should also find time to admire a witness of León’s flourishing Middle Ages —the Los Guzmanes Palace— which is considered to be the city’s most famous civil monument. The recognisable Casa Botines, which is the work of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, is another must-visit landmark. This large building, which was erected at the end of the 19th century, was constructed at the request of the merchant Juan Homs y Botinás.
If your thirst for culture hasn’t been quenched by the above, you can continue exploring the Centro district to witness the unparalleled beauty of the Collegiate Basilica of San Isidoro. Built in a Romanesque style, its walls contain traces and vestiges of an entire kingdom. We recommend heading inside to visit the Royal Pantheon, where you can admire its beautiful Roman murals and explore the resting place of former monarchs and other significant figures. The nearby Puerta del Castillo (Castle Gate), also referred to as the Arco de la Cárcel (Prison Arch), also tells tales of the past. It is the only gateway that remains of the eleven that León once had.
This part of the municipality is also home to the city’s main jewel, León Cathedral, which is sure to blow you away as soon as you lay your eyes on it. Known as the “pulchra leonina” for the purity of its Gothic style, it fills almost two thousand square metres with detail and colour. Despite construction beginning in the early 8th century, its cloister was not complete until the year 1566. It has underwent several changes over time, partly brought about by the collapse of several vaults and a fire. Despite this, it is still a spectacular structure.
We recommend venturing inside to admire its 125 magnificent stained glass windows. The temple is surrounded by busy streets punctuated with shops, bars and restaurants.
After walking around the front of the cathedral, you should also go round the back to admire the remains of the Roman baths and see what is left of the four Roman walls of León that once surrounded the city.
You should round-off your visit with a trip to the Plaza de Santo Domingo, which serves as a link between the old city and the Ensanche district. This is where the Museum of León (Pallarés Building) is located, which is the largest of its kind in the province. Its collections range from the Palaeolithic period to the 20th century, comprising everything from mosaics to stelae, tombstones, furniture and gold and silver work.