The Plaza Mayor is one of the most famous squares in the city of León. There and in the surrounding streets you will find historic buildings and an excellent atmosphere to enjoy the city of León, with numerous shops, bars and restaurants.
León would not be the same without its main square. Like most cities, the main square is the true heart and soul of the city, a place for public exhibitions of all kinds, a meeting point for citizens and the main urban space in the city centre.
In this article, you will find out about León’s Plaza Mayor, its history and what you can see and do there.
History of León’s Plaza Mayor
León’s Plaza Mayor is considered to be one of the oldest main squares in Spain. It was built between 1654 and 1677, a decision which was made after a serious fire ravaged the area. The Plaza Mayor construction project designer was Francisco del Piñal, a master mason and architect, who planned to enlarge the space to hold bullfights and shows.
During the square’s construction, several works were carried out such as the relocation of the Casa de las Panaderías building to another part of the square, the demolition of part of the wall and the construction of the square’s main building, i.e. El Mirador or the Town Hall, also designed by Piñal, which would represent the civil power as a presidential tribune for the festivities in the square.
León’s Plaza Mayor has a trapezoidal shape and measures around 4,000 square metres. It is characterised by the colonnaded buildings with round arches that surround the perimeter.
In 1695 there was another major fire that affected the east and south sides of the new square. The financial difficulties of the time prevented the repairs from starting quickly, and they dragged on for a long time.
Numerous public celebrations have been held in León’s Plaza Mayor throughout history. From bullfights to executions, markets, patron saint festivals and popular uprisings such as the one against the Napoleonic troops that arrived in the city in 1810.
Nevertheless, it has always had one function, i.e. commercial. Since the Middle Ages and even up to the present day, the Plaza Mayor has hosted a market two days a week, accompanied by the numerous shops that have populated the arcades throughout history, with food, handicrafts, pharmacies and other trades.
What to see in León’s Plaza Mayor
If there is one element that stands out in León’s Plaza Mayor, it is El Mirador, also known as the Town Hall. Built at the same time as the square, it has never had that administrative function but it was built, as we have said, as a privileged tribune for the celebrations and official acts that took place in the square.
It is clearly one of the most beautiful buildings in the old part of León. Its architects were Francisco de la Lastra, Simón de Vayas, Francisco del Piñal and Pedro del Hoyo. El Mirador is characterised by its narrow plan, 32 metres long and only 5.3 metres deep, which prevents it from having any other administrative function. It has a characteristic Baroque style, with four floors, balustrades, a clock and two towers crowned by spires.
Today, El Mirador is a municipal building that houses the Municipal Plastic Arts Workshop and the Holy Week Organising Committee.
On one side of El Mirador, you will find the La Plegaria fountain, dating from 1801. In the Plaza Mayor, you will also see the market that takes place every Wednesday and Saturday morning.
Where to eat near the Plaza Mayor
León’s Plaza Mayor is in the heart of the old quarter, in the well-known and popular Barrio Húmedo (Wet District). That is why in the surrounding area you will find numerous bars, taverns and restaurants where you can enjoy León’s cuisine.
Here are some of the bars and restaurants near the Plaza Mayor:
- Restaurante Castrillo: a traditional restaurant located on one of the corners of the square. Its speciality is the maragato stew, the only dish served at lunchtime. It has an extensive wine list.
- La Bodega del Húmedo: located at Calle Plegarias, a few metres from the square. It is one of the trendy bars in the Wet District, known for its rice dishes.
- Pecado de Vino: in the nearby Plaza de San Martín is this modern restaurant, with a first-floor dining room overlooking the square. It has good tapas and dishes, with an excellent presentation.
- Mesón Jabugo: a true reference in León, well known for its black pudding tapas but also for its croquettes and peppers.
- Taberna Los Cazurros: also in the Plaza de San Martín, next to Mesón Jabugo, this is another famous classic from León thanks to its generous tapas and excellent quality/price ratio.
