The city of Leon - officially named León de los Aldama - is the fifth most populous city in Mexico and the largest city in the state of Guanajuato. Leon is a splendid place that offers its visitors a variety of activities, such as a tranquil stroll through its streets full of colonial, religious, and contemporary buildings. León is geographically very central in México, so forms a logistical axis for bus routes and other transport in the country. The city is very well known for its leatherwork, saddle, and shoe production also known as the The Shoe Capital.
The Expiatory Temple
This is a beautiful temple with an imposing neo-gothic style where magnificent stained glass windows can be admired. Its construction started in 1920, and stopped only temporarily during the "cristera" war. This is an interesting place to visit, not only for its architecture, but also for its impressing stained glass windows and catacombs where rest in peace hundreds of persons. The building now is only 80 percent of the original project. Not only have ecclesiastical authorities taken part in its erection, but also thousands of Leon citizens, with their characteristic fervent faith, have contributed stone for the laying of the foundation, walls and altars of this huge temple.
Leon Cathedral
The Cathedral is a majestic edifice from 1765 whose facade features an exquisite example of baroque art. The usual cathedral elements are virtually eclipsed here by the awesome stained-glass windows -- some 125 in all (plus 57 oculi), dating from the 13th century. They are so heavy they have strained the cathedral's walls. Look for a 15th-century altarpiece depicting the Entombment in the Capilla Mayor, as well as a Renaissance trascoro by Juan de Badajoz. The nave dates from the 13th and 14th centuries; the Renaissance vaulting is much later. Almost as interesting as the stained-glass windows are the cloisters, dating in part from the 13th and 14th centuries and containing faded frescoes and Romanesque and Gothic tombs
Explora Science Center
One of the most representative places and an integral component of the set of museums and interactive science centers in Mexico is, without a doubt, Explora in Leon. This place is very interesting for children and those who like to mix knowledge and fun. Explora features six pavilions with 275 exhibits, most of them interactive; also, in the courtyard area and surrounding park, there are another 24 exhibits. During your visit to this fascinating place, you will see one of the largest Imax screens in Latin America at the Leonardo Da Vinci Theater, which holds 320 people
Leon Zoo
Over 2,000 animals of 240 species are on display in this attractive park, such as polar bears, panthers, pumas, tigers and lions. There is also a lake with aquatic birds an a miniature train ride. Its numerous trees and green areas are pefect for a pic-nic. It offers mini-train rides too. For people who like to be in touch with nature and enrich their knowledge about the diversity of fauna from different regions of the world, at Leon's zoological park you will admire a vast assortment of animal species, from huge mammals such as polar bears and impressive elephants, to birds with majestic feathers and small monkeys.
House of Culture Diego Rivera
It is situated at the Founders Plaza, the House of Culture shows a baroque style front door, built in XIX century. The building, named as the Guanajuato's famous painter, offers different cultural activities to the citizens such as dancing, art crafting, painting, etc.
Triumphal Arc
It was built in 1893 to commemorate the 83rd anniversary of the Mexican Independence. The centerpiece of this neoclassic arch is a bronze lion which was donated by local bullfighter Antonio Valdez. It is placed on Calzada de los Heroes, which was the old entry to the city before its expansion.
