Things to do in Leon
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Top 10 attractions in Leon
The Alley of The Kiss
The Alley of The Kissis a famous narrow, stepped alley in the old town of Guanajuato, Mexico, known in Spanish as Callejón del Beso. The old houses on both sides of the alley are almost touching, and the two balconies upstairs are so close that one can reach out and touch them. The alley's name is linked to a local, well-known tragic love story, often referred to as the Mexican version of "Romeo and Juliet". Legend has it that a wealthy young lady named Ana fell in love with a young miner named Carlos. Forbidden by her strict father from leaving the house, Carlos spent all his savings to rent a small room opposite Ana's window, where they would whisper to each other from their balconies across the narrow alley every night. Their secret meetings were eventually discovered, and in a fit of rage, her father stabbed his daughter with a dagger. Ana fell on the third step, her blood staining the stone stairs, and Carlos soon followed her in death. Today, the mark of that tragedy remains in the alley, and local residents still allow tourists to go up to the original balconies to take photos, with the railings covered in love locks inscribed with names and wishes. At the entrance of the alley, guides vividly recount this legend.Guanajuato City · 45.6km from Leon
Basílica Colegiata de Nuestra Señora de Guanajuato
Basílica Colegiata de Nuestra Señora de Guanajuatofaces the Plaza de la Paz in the center of the old town of Guanajuato, Mexico. Construction began in 1671 and was completed in 1696, with most of the construction and decoration costs covered by local mine owners and miners. It is the main church of the old town and was elevated to a minor basilica in 1957. The basilica's exterior blends Baroque and Neoclassical elements, with bright yellow walls set against dark red towers and cornices. Its twin bell towers and dome create a distinct silhouette. The wooden statue of "Our Lady of Guanajuato" enshrined inside is the origin of the church's name. Legend has it that this painted cedar statue is over a thousand years old. When the Arabs invaded the Iberian Peninsula in the 8th century, local believers hid it in a cave, where it lay dormant for centuries. After being rediscovered, it passed into the hands of the Spanish royal family. King Charles I designated it as a gift, and it was later sent to Guanajuato by his successor, Philip II, in 1557, in gratitude for the wealth that this silver-mining city continuously sent to Spain.Guanajuato City · 45.9km from Leon
Calle Subterranea
The Underground Streets of Guanajuato are streets that extend below the horizon of the entire city and are a popular attraction for tourists to explore local history and culture. These underground streets were originally built for flood control and were later transformed into part of the city's transportation. Today, they not only ease the pressure on ground transportation, but have also become a major feature of the city. Walking through these underground streets, visitors can feel a mysterious and ancient atmosphere. The stone walls and vaulted ceilings on both sides of the street show exquisite architectural craftsmanship, as if taking you back in time. The underground streets connect several important areas of the city, making it more convenient to visit various attractions in Guanajuato. The Underground Streets of Guanajuato are not only important transportation routes, but also a window to understand the history and culture of the city. Visitors are advised to visit these underground streets during the day to better appreciate their architectural details and historical background.Guanajuato City · 45.9km from Leon
Museo de Arte de Querétaro
Museo de Arte de Querétaro is located in a Baroque convent building in the old town of Querétaro. This former Convent of San Agustín has been used as an art museum since 1988. The building itself is the main attraction here: the inner walls of the cloister are painted a warm, bright orange, which shines in the sunlight, complementing the stone carvings. In the center of the courtyard stands a Baroque fountain covered in glazed tiles, decorated with marine-themed patterns. The stone columns surrounding the courtyard are carved with various figures, and many visitors find this courtyard just as impressive as the exhibits themselves. The museum's permanent collection, housed in over 10 exhibition halls, focuses on paintings and sculptures from the colonial "New Spain" period, spanning from the early 17th century to the mid-19th century. It is organized into themes such as Mannerism, Baroque, European painting, and the San Carlos Academy. You can see works by important painters in Mexican art history, such as Villalpando, Miguel Cabrera, and Juan Correa. Other galleries regularly feature modern and contemporary art exhibitions. After visiting the galleries, it is recommended to take a slow walk back through the courtyard cloister. The orange walls, stone carvings, and interplay of light and shadow make it a very photogenic corner of the old town. The Baroque facade of the adjacent San Agustín Church is famous for its spiral columns and dense plant carvings, which are worth a look while you are there.Mexico · Queretaro
Guadalajara's Cathedral
Guadalajara's Cathedralis officially known as the "Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady." It is the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Guadalajara and one of the oldest existing cathedrals in the Americas. Construction of the main structure began in the second half of the 16th century and was completed in the early 17th century. It features a Spanish Renaissance-style three-nave basilica layout, with side aisles covered by Gothic rib vaults. The towers and dome were subsequently damaged by earthquakes multiple times, and the current Neo-Gothic twin towers were rebuilt in the mid-19th century. To reduce the weight of the towers and withstand earthquake threats, they were rebuilt using pumice stone. The towers are covered in yellow and blue Talavera-style tiles, which are particularly striking in the sunlight and serve as the visual focal point of the Guadalajara skyline.Mexico · Guadalajara
Catedral de Morelia
This is a spectacular Baroque building, and the light show at night is breathtaking, illuminating the delicate pink limestone facade. The interior is ornate, with golden altars and frescoes telling religious and historical stories.Mexico · Morelia
Glorieta de La Minerva
Glorieta de La Minerva is an important transportation hub and city landmark. In the center of the roundabout stands the Minerva statue, symbolizing wisdom and strength. This statue not only has artistic value but also carries local cultural significance, making this spot a popular place for locals and tourists to take photos and sightsee. Traffic flows smoothly around the roundabout, connecting the city's major roads, which facilitates daily commutes and serves as a vital link in urban traffic organization. At night, the lighting design of the statue and the roundabout creates a unique visual effect, attracting many photography enthusiasts and night visitors. Beyond its transportation function, the area around Glorieta de La Minerva features green belts and pedestrian zones, providing a relatively safe and comfortable space for pedestrians to rest. The landscape design of the roundabout in urban planning reflects a focus on public space aesthetics and urban culture, making it a fusion of the urban environment and cultural expression.Mexico · Guadalajara
Jardín Allende
Located in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico, the Allende Gardens are the cultural and social heart of the city. Named after Mexican hero Ignacio Allende, the gardens are surrounded by colorful colonial buildings and have a unique historical charm. The central cast iron pavilion and carefully manicured greenery provide visitors with a place to relax and unwind. This is not only a daily gathering place for local residents, but also a window for tourists to experience traditional Mexican culture. There are often open-air concerts and handicraft markets in the gardens, adding to the strong artistic atmosphere. The surrounding galleries, cafes and restaurants provide visitors with abundant opportunities for exploration. The Allende Gardens are adjacent to historical landmarks such as the San Miguel Cathedral, and the main attractions of the old town can be easily visited on foot. The complete tourist facilities and convenient transportation make the Allende Gardens an ideal place to experience the unique charm of San Miguel de Allende.San Miguel de Allende · 100km from Leon
Cathedral Basilica of Zacatecas
Cathedral Basilica of Zacatecas is located on the south side of thePlaza de Armasand was built between 1730–1760. The church is constructed from pink stone and features a Baroque-style facade. Decorations from Europe and local ornaments are placed together, reflecting a unique beauty.Mexico · Zacatecas
Teatro Degollado
The Gran Teatro del Guerrero is a renowned theater in Mexico, built between 1856 and 1886. The building features a neoclassical portico topped with Corinthian columns and is home to performances by the Guadalajara Symphony Orchestra. The interior is resplendent with luxurious red velvet, and the lights cast a stunning glow at night.Mexico · Guadalajara
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Free things to do in Leon
The Alley of The Kiss
Guanajuato City · 45.6km from LeonBasílica Colegiata de Nuestra Señora de Guanajuato
Guanajuato City · 45.9km from LeonCalle Subterranea
Guanajuato City · 45.9km from LeonMuseo de Arte de Querétaro
Mexico · QueretaroGuadalajara's Cathedral
Mexico · GuadalajaraCatedral de Morelia
Mexico · MoreliaGlorieta de La Minerva
Mexico · GuadalajaraJardín Allende
San Miguel de Allende · 100km from LeonCathedral Basilica of Zacatecas
Mexico · ZacatecasTeatro Degollado
Mexico · Guadalajara
More ways to travel from Leon
What travellers say about Leon
hiluoling12 August 2020
3.0
This is actually a small alley. At its narrowest point, only one person can pass through. I guess the name means that if two people meet each other, they will bump into each other, so it was named this way.
The Alley of The Kiss
quqky13 August 2020
3.0
Notre Dame Cathedral is very beautiful. It is located in a suburb of the city, but it is worth a visit. Its main body is an ancient building, and now it is painted in yellow-brown, which is a very special color.
Basílica Colegiata de Nuestra Señora de Guanajuato
读万卷书；行万里路14 August 2019
4.0
Guanajuato is a mountainous city with very narrow roads. Therefore, abandoned silver mine tunnels near the city were transformed into streets for vehicles, and pedestrian walkways are also provided on both sides of the tunnels. If you take a taxi to Guanajuato, it will almost always use these underground passages. Sometimes Google Maps will also guide you to a few walking routes that utilize these underground streets. It's not really worth making a special trip there; there's not much scenery to see, but you can experience it for the time being.
Calle Subterranea
M25***403 March 2021
4.0
We came to the art museum on a sunny day. Coincidentally, there were very few tourists that day, only a few tourists in twos and threes, so we enjoyed absolute quietness and comfort.
Museo de Arte de Querétaro
eddie toh9 June 2016
5.0
Two tall, pointed towers are the hallmark of the Cathedral of the Ascension of the Virgin Mother. The classical buildings also make me feel that the cathedral is sacred. Enter the church to feel the strong atmosphere of faith, believers pray sincerely.
Guadalajara's Cathedral
nj荇菜4 November 2020
5.0
The church is located in the town of Morelia, which has always been important in history.
Catedral de Morelia
乖小咪6 October 2019
5.0
The Plaza Mayor of Guanajuato is located in the center of the old city. It has a history of more than 400 years and is home to many ancient buildings. The ground of the square is paved with stone bricks, which is very historical. It is also the most worthwhile place to visit in Guanajuato. Don't miss it.
Jardín Allende
M26***0316 February 2023
5.0
The scenery here is beautiful and pleasant, and you will never forget to return.
Cathedral Basilica of Zacatecas
