Casa Botines is one of the most emblematic buildings in León and one of the only three works that the brilliant architect Antoni Gaudí created outside Catalonia. Located right in the city centre, opposite Plaza de San Marcelo, this modernist construction surprises visitors with its elegance, medieval flair and strong personality.
Today, Casa Botines has been turned into a museum and is one of León’s main tourist attractions. Its history, its architecture and its connection with Gaudí make this building an essential stop for anyone exploring the Leonese capital.
Gaudí in León: an unexpected commission
At the end of the 19th century, León was a city in full expansion thanks to the textile and banking industries. In this context, merchants Simón Fernández and Mariano Andrés commissioned Antoni Gaudí to design a building that would serve as the headquarters of their textile business, with apartments on the upper floors.
Gaudí, who had already worked for the Güell family and enjoyed great prestige, accepted the commission and designed a building inspired by medieval castles, but adapted to the needs of modern life at the time. The result was Casa Botines, inaugurated in 1893, a building that broke with León’s usual architectural style and still amazes locals and visitors alike.
This project marked Gaudí’s first foray into civil architecture outside Catalonia and cemented his reputation as one of the most innovative architects of his time.
Architecture of Casa Botines
Casa Botines stands out for its appearance as an urban castle. Its stone façade, corner towers topped with spires and crenellations along the upper edge all evoke medieval architecture. However, Gaudí incorporated modern and innovative elements that give the building both functionality and elegance.
Some of the most striking features include:
- The sculpture of Saint George, patron saint of Catalonia, located above the main door, created by the sculptor Llimona.
- Its large windows, designed to bring natural light into every room, something highly advanced for its time.
- The iron structure inside, which allowed for an open and modern layout.
This balance between medieval tradition and industrial modernity is what makes Casa Botines a unique work within Gaudí’s portfolio.
Restoration and the current museum
Throughout the 20th century, Casa Botines housed various institutions, including the Caja España savings bank. Over the years, the building was restored and today it is home to the Museo Casa Botines Gaudí, managed by the Fundación EspañaDuero.
The museum offers a journey through Gaudí’s life and work, showcasing models, personal objects and audiovisual displays that explain his genius. It also exhibits artworks by painters such as Sorolla, Ramón Casas and other Spanish artists from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Visitors can walk through the interior of the building, from the basement to the attic, discovering how Gaudí designed every detail to create a space that is both functional and beautiful.
Casa Botines and modernism in León
Although León is best known for its Romanesque and Gothic heritage, with monuments such as the Cathedral and San Isidoro, Casa Botines brings the mark of Catalan modernism into the city.
This building has become a symbol of how León not only preserves its medieval heritage, but also embraced modernity at a key moment in its history. Together with the Episcopal Palace of Astorga (also designed by Gaudí), Casa Botines reinforces the architect’s presence in the province of León.
Curiosities about Casa Botines
- The name “Botines” comes from Juan Homs y Botines, a Catalan merchant who settled in León and was a partner of the original promoters.
- The statue of Saint George above the main door is hollow, and inside it a box was found containing original plans of the building and newspapers from the period.
- Although it looks like a medieval castle, the building was conceived to be practical: the lower floors were used as a warehouse and textile store, while the upper floors were residential apartments.
These curiosities make the building not only an architectural gem, but also a symbol full of anecdotes and secrets.
Practical information for your visit
- Location: Plaza de San Marcelo, right in the centre of León.
- Opening hours: Open daily (with timetables that vary according to the season).
- Tickets: Available at the ticket office and online; they include access to the museum and to the different rooms of the building.
- Guided tours: Highly recommended to learn about the history of the building and Gaudí’s context in León.
The museum also organises temporary exhibitions and cultural activities that further enrich the visitor experience.
Conclusion
Casa Botines in León is much more than just a building: it is the imprint of Gaudí’s genius in the heart of the city. Its medieval style, architectural innovation and current role as a museum make it a must-see for any traveller.
Discovering Casa Botines also means discovering León’s connection with modernity and the universal talent of Gaudí, an architect who knew how to turn stone into living art.
📍 Your ideal accommodation to visit Casa Botines
If you want to explore León and get to know Casa Botines and Gaudí’s legacy up close, the best option is to stay in the historic centre. At León Apartamentos you will find fully equipped tourist flats and suites, just a few minutes’ walk from Casa Botines, the Cathedral and San Isidoro.
👉 Book at leonapartamentos.com and enjoy the city with all the comforts.
