In the very heart of León, beside the Cathedral and the Plaza Mayor, stands the Palace of the Count of Luna—an historic building that has witnessed the city’s evolution over the centuries. Its name is tied to one of the most influential noble families of medieval León: the Counts of Luna.
For visitors, learning this part of history means discovering a León beyond its gastronomy and lively streets: it’s a dive into the medieval past that still beats in every stone of the old town. Staying in the centre—at León Apartamentos—lets you enjoy this historical journey with the comfort of having the main monuments just a few steps away.
The lineage of the Counts of Luna
The title of Count of Luna was created in the 15th century as recognition for one of the most powerful houses in the Kingdom of León. Its origin goes back to Pedro Álvarez Osorio, who received the title in 1462 from King Henry IV. From that moment, the Counts of Luna played a key role in the region’s politics and social life.
The Osorio family controlled lands, castles and lordships across large areas of León and Asturias, and their influence grew so great that they became key players in the noble power struggles of the time. For travellers interested in medieval history, following the trail of this family is to walk through part of the intricate power network that shaped 15th-century Spain. From your accommodation in central León you can visit not only the Palace, but also other places that recall this influential dynasty.
The Palace of the Count of Luna
The most visible emblem of this legacy is the Palace of the Count of Luna, located on Calle Conde Luna, just a few metres from the Cathedral. Built in the 14th century, the building is one of the few surviving examples of civil Gothic architecture in León.
Over the centuries, the palace has had various uses:
- It was the noble residence of the Counts of Luna.
- It later served as an administrative headquarters and court.
- Today, it is a cultural venue hosting exhibitions, conferences and the Interpretation Centre of the Kingdom of León, which tells the story of the former kingdom and its capital.
Its façade, with Gothic windows and noble coats of arms, and its inner courtyard evoke the power and grandeur of a family that shaped the city’s history. Today, visitors can tour this space and travel back in time without leaving the old town. Best of all, if you stay at León Apartamentos, you can walk there in just a few minutes and combine your cultural visit with a stroll to the Cathedral or the Plaza Mayor.
The imprint of the Counts of Luna in León
Beyond the palace, the Counts of Luna left a deep legacy in the city and province. Their influence extended through donations to religious institutions, the patronage of artworks and the construction of infrastructure.
The title of Count of Luna also outlived the Middle Ages, remaining within the Spanish nobility for centuries and retaining its prestige as a symbol of power linked to León. Today, the name survives in the collective memory of Leonese people and in the city’s place names. For cultural travellers, this is a unique chance to learn about a lineage that helped forge León’s historical identity. And after your visit, nothing beats resting in a modern, central apartment with every comfort.
León, a city of history and nobility
The figure of the Count of Luna and his palace are yet another example of León’s rich heritage. A walk through the old town reveals traces of medieval nobility alongside other treasures such as León Cathedral, the Basilica of San Isidoro and the Convent of San Marcos.
For anyone visiting the city, the Palace of the Count of Luna is an essential stop that connects you with León’s historic grandeur and helps you understand its role in Spain’s history. Even better: all these landmarks are just a few steps from León Apartamentos, making our accommodation the perfect base for a cultural getaway without needing a car or public transport.
Staying in the heart of León
If you want to discover the Palace of the Count of Luna and explore León’s old town, there’s nothing better than staying right in the centre. At León Apartamentos we offer modern, comfortable accommodation in a privileged location—ideal for getting around on foot and enjoying every historic corner of the city.
Our apartments are designed for travellers seeking comfort and closeness—whether you’re visiting León for cultural tourism, its gastronomy or its events. From here you can easily plan your route through the most iconic places, with the peace of mind of returning to a welcoming space at the end of the day.
👉 Book your stay now at www.leonapartamentos.com and experience León with all its heritage just steps from your door.
