 Leon, the 'shoe capital of Mexico'
Added: 01/30/2006 |
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Leon was founded as a defence stronghold against the attacks by the Chichimeca tribe. It has beautiful historical monuments in the downtown. But, first of all, it is an industrial, agricultural, commercial centre and the 'shoe capital of Mexico'. Leon is constantly progressing marked by a deal of contrasts, such as beautiful colonial buildings alongside with modern architecture houses. While the state capital is mainly a historical city, Leon is the most important business centre in Guanajuato State.
Leon, a modern city with more than one million inhabitants, was founded in 1576 as a citadel to protect the settlement from the Chichimeca tribe raids. It is located in Guanajuato state, by the federal highway 45 in central Mexico. The city lies in a huge valley more than 160 kilometers long, at an altitude of about 1800 meters. In Pre-Hispanic times this region was originally inhabited by Inus tribes, such as the Toltecas, Chichimecas and Guamares. Leon city nearby the Alfaro, Ibarrillo and Tarasco-Chupicuaro archaeological sites can be explored by curious guests.
Leon has pleasant climate with average monthly temperature varying from 12°C minimum to 24°C maximum. Several thermal water springs, which have been turned into health care centres are situated not far from Leon, the most famous found in Los Tanques, La Granja, Abasolo, Comanjilla, and Celaya.
Leon was a Spanish administrative centre in colonial times, and, thus, it is distinguished by beautiful historical monuments in the downtown area. You can have a walk there or even feed the pigeons. The architectural monuments include baroque, gothic and neoclassic style buildings dated XVIII-XIX centuries. The Triumphal Arc, Basilica Cathedral and a number of museums (Archaeological Museum, Explora Science Centre, Bullfighting Museum) are highly recommended as a perfect choice for family visit.
Metropolitan Park is a great option for sports activities, such as biking, skating, camping, mini-train rides, and more. Leon's Zoo homes about 2000 animals of 240 species, its green area being perfect for a picnic. As to Leon's gastronomy, it is considered one of the best in Mexico - you can make it certain when trying the finest meals in numerous local restaurants.
They say that Leon can be a very good introduction to real Mexico for foreign visitors coming to this country for the first time. It is an industrial, mining, agricultural, commercial, and transport centre in a whole representing a highly-developed infrastructure. There is a large concentration of factories producing high quality shoes and leather goods in Leon, which fact gave birth to the city's second name 'shoe capital of Mexico'.
Some of the major brands being currently manufactured in the area include Hush Puppies, Florsheim, Ferragamo, Cole Haan, Ecco, Steve Madden, Rockport, Red Wing, Justin Boots, Stride Rite, and others. If you buy leather shoes made in Mexico there is almost a 100% chance they have been made in Leon. To add, Leon hosts SAPICA, Mexico's largest foot-wear exhibition, and ANPIC, the largest machinery exhibition. Both events attract a large number of buyers from Mexico and far abroad.
The city of Leon is remarkable for its contrasts, such as beautiful colonial buildings next to modern architecture houses and wide boulevards. The city is constantly progressing, thus, homing already ten five-star business hotels. Besides, the city of Guanajuato, a World Heritage Site, can easily be reached from Leon. While the state capital is a beautiful historical city marked by colonial architecture, Leon is the largest and most important industrial city in Guanajuato State mainly known for its foot-wear industry. The state offers the unique harmony of the old and the new, of Mexico's colonial times and present days.
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