Overview

Leon, with its modern name of The Shoe Capital due to its corner on the shoe and leather goods market, is at the geographic and cultural center of Mexico. The urban area is located in the state of Guanajuato and with nearly 4 million regional residents, is among the largest of Mexico's cities. After a conquest of the country in the mid-16th century, the Spanish founded the modern city on the ruins of indigenous Mexican metropolises. Leon was central in the fight for independence, and residents celebrate Mexican Independence each year with raucous celebrations. Today the city has embraced its modernity as an epicenter of arts, culture and economic development. Because of its close proximity to Mexico City, Leon is oft overlooked by travelers, but visitors to the city will find a wealth of leisure activities, shopping, dining and nightlife activities to fill their time. Leon residents also enjoy sporting activities, and the city is home to a renowned soccer team as well as an annual auto race, ballooning event and historic bullfighting champions. From the historic city center, the Zona Peatonal, to the modern civic and commercial centers (including the Poliforum for conventions and special events, and the Leon Airport, a stopover for travelers from around the world), visitors to Leon find a wealth of activities to fill their travel time.

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