Barrio Húmedo
All who come to the city of León should circle the Barrio Húmedo on their map with a big red marker pen. Spanning a large part of the city’s old town, the Barrio Húmedo is one of León’s busiest areas. And this should come as no surprise. Not only is it home to some of the city’s most iconic public spaces and monuments, but it is also a great place to sample some of the finest cuisine that León’s bars and restaurants have to offer.
The Barrio Húmedo is entirely contained within Calle Ancha, Calle de la Rúa, Calle del Caño Badillo and Calle de las Cercas: an urban layout that probably has its roots in ancient Rome. This would have once been the site of the dwellings of the neighbours who supplied the Roman camps. Its network of narrow streets exude a distinct medieval vibe; more so than at any other point in the city. You can even read the names of the different guilds on the various street signs, with Platería (silversmithing), Azabachería (jet carving), Zapatería (shoe selling) and Carnicerías (butchers) being just some examples of the different street names. But if one street is to define the Barrio Húmedo, it is Calle Ancha. This largely pedestrianised street is the perfect place to go for a stroll and admire some beautiful 19th century buildings. On one side of it lies the Barrio Húmedo and on the other the Barrio Romántico: two crucial places in understanding life in León.
One building that is sure to surprise passers-by in the Barrio Húmedo is the Conde Luna Palace, which was once the headquarters of the Spanish inquisition and now houses the Kingdom of León Interpretation Centre and the offices of the University of Washington. The San Salvador de Palat del Rey church, which operates as an exhibition centre, is another notable landmark.
The squares of the Barrio Húmedo, which include the Plaza de San Martín, the Plaza del Grano, the Plaza del Conde Luna and the Plaza Mayor, are every bit as impressive as its streets. In the latter, which is a genuine hub for neighbourhood meetings and activities, the sounds of the old markets that were held as far back as the 17th century still seem to reverberate to this day. It is also home to the old Town Hall.
Nearby is the San Martín Church, which houses a Pietà carved by Luis Salvador Carmona. If you’re looking for a buzzing atmosphere, look no further than the Plaza de San Martín, which is home to a wide range of bars and restaurants. When you’re there, be sure to check out the Casa de Carnicerías, where meat was once supplied to the city back in the 16th century.
Finally, there is the charming Plaza del Grano, with its iconic cobblestoned floor, fountain and the Las Carbajalas Convent. Located nearby are the Don Gutierre Palace, the Las Concepcionistas Convent and the El Mercado Church, whose walls exude antiquity.
All visits to León should entail a visit to the Barrio Húmedo, where you can discover the origins of the city and savour its finest local delicacies. From here, you can also visit other nearby landmarks such as León Cathedral.