Leganés, Spain
Region: Madrid
Geographic Coordinates: 40.328100, -3.764400
Temperature Range: 10.0°C to 30.0°C (50°F to 86°F)
Climate: Leganés has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. The average temperature in summer is around 30°C (86°F) and in winter it is around 10°C (50°F). Rainfall is highest in the months of October to May, with June to September being mostly dry.
Population: 187762
Language: Spanish
Leganés is a charming city located in the autonomous community of Madrid, Spain. It is situated just 11 kilometers southwest of the Spanish capital and has a population of approximately 186, 000 inhabitants. Leganés has been an important industrial center since the early 20th century when several factories were established in the area. Nowadays, It is known for its high-quality education system and vibrant cultural scene. One of the most notable landmarks in Leganés is the Castle of Butarque. This impressive fortress dates back to the 15th century and was built by Juan II as a defense against enemy attacks.
Today, It houses a museum that showcases various artifacts from Leganés’ history as well as temporary exhibitions on art and culture. Another must-see attraction in Leganés is La Cubierta Bullring. This historic arena was built in 1967 and can accommodate up to 10, 000 spectators during bullfights or concerts. It has hosted some famous bullfighters over the years like Paco Ojeda or El Cordobes.
For those interested in learning more about local history and culture, There are several museums worth visiting around town such as Museo de Escultura de Leganes which displays sculptures created by artists from all over Spain; Museo del Carro y Aperos de Labranza which exhibits agricultural tools used by farmers; or Centro Cultural José Saramago where visitors can enjoy art exhibitions or attend conferences on literature. As for outdoor activities, Leganés boasts several parks where people can relax and unwind after a long day at work or school.
One such park is Parque Polvoranca which covers an area of more than one thousand hectares with lakes, Forests, Trails for hiking or biking paths that lead through beautiful landscapes full of wildlife such as birds like herons or ducks. but not least important are its gastronomy and festivals. Leganés has a rich culinary tradition that includes dishes like cocido madrileño (a stew made with chickpeas, Meat, And vegetables), Churros con chocolate (fried dough served with hot chocolate) or tapas.
The city also celebrates several festivals throughout the year such as the Fiestas de San Nicasio in September or Carnaval de Leganés in February where locals dress up in colorful costumes and parade through the streets. Overall, Leganés is a fascinating city that offers something for everyone. Its rich history, Cultural scene, Beautiful parks and outdoor activities make it an ideal destination for tourists looking to explore Spain beyond Madrid’s borders.
- Parque Polvoranca: A large park with beautiful walking trails, picnic areas, and a lake.
- Plaza Mayor de Leganés: The main square of Leganés with a historic town hall building.
- Museo de Escultura de Leganés: A sculpture museum showcasing works by local artists.
- Iglesia San Salvador: A 16th-century church with impressive architecture and religious art.
- Centro Comercial Sambil Outlet Madrid: A shopping mall featuring various stores, restaurants, and entertainment options.
- Catedral Santa María Magdalena: A stunning cathedral with intricate stained glass windows and ornate decorations.
- Teatro Egaleo: An iconic theater hosting various performances including plays, concerts, and dance shows.
- Casa del Reloj Cultural Center: An art center offering exhibitions, workshops, concerts and other cultural events throughout the year.
- Ermita Nuestra Señora de Butarque: A small chapel dedicated to the patron saint of Leganés located on a hilltop overlooking the cityscape below.
- Parroquia Nuestra Señora de la Asunción y Santo Domingo: A beautiful church located in the heart of the city that dates back to the 14th century.
- Information Technology (IT) and Communications: Leganés is home to numerous technology companies specializing in software development, telecommunications, and information technology services.
- Manufacturing: The city has a robust manufacturing sector with companies producing machinery, automotive parts, electronics, among other goods.
- Education: Leganés has various universities and research institutes that contribute to the city’s economy through research grants, student spending, and job creation.
- Healthcare: The healthcare industry also plays a significant role in Leganés with several hospitals and medical centers providing employment opportunities for healthcare professionals.
- Retail: There are many shopping centers and retail stores throughout the city catering to residents’ daily needs.
- Hospitality: Due to its proximity to Madrid’s attractions, Leganés has a thriving hospitality industry with hotels, restaurants, bars serving tourists visiting the region.
- Construction & Real Estate: With an increasing population demand for housing is on the rise leading to an increase in construction activities across the region which also creates job opportunities for people involved in construction work or real estate agents dealing with property transactions within or outside of Spain.
- Battle of Leganés (1808) was a major battle fought during the Peninsular War between French and Spanish forces.
- Francisco de Goya, the renowned Spanish painter, briefly lived in Leganés where he created some of his famous works.
- Jose Ortega y Gasset, a prominent Spanish philosopher, spent most of his childhood in Leganés despite being born in Madrid.
- University Carlos III de Madrid is one of Spain’s most prestigious universities and has been located in Leganés since its establishment in 1989.
- San Nicasio Festival is an annual traditional festival celebrated every October to honor Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of Leganés.
- Estadio Municipal Butarque serves as the home stadium for CD Leganes – a professional football club that competes in La Liga Santander.
- Miguel Ángel Blanco Garrido was a young politician who was kidnapped and murdered by ETA terrorists on July 13th, 1997 near Ermua (Biscay), Spain; his murder sparked widespread protests against terrorism across Spain and beyond.
- María Teresa Fernández de la Vega is a Spanish lawyer and politician who served as Vice President under José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero from 2004 to 2010; she originally hails from Logroño but has spent much time living her life nearby Vitoria-Gasteiz.
- Cristina Cifuentes Cuencas served as former President of the Community of Madrid from 2015 to April 2018; she also represented Madrid constituency VI (Leganés) at the Regional Assembly during her tenure.
- Antonio Gades was an iconic flamenco dancer and choreographer who hailed from Elda (Alicante) but spent significant periods throughout Spain including residing at times on outskirts south-western edge town near capital city center known as Leganès.
- Museo de Escultura de Leganés (Sculpture Museum of Leganés)
- Centro Cultural José Saramago (José Saramago Cultural Center)
- Iglesia Parroquial San Salvador (San Salvador Parish Church)
- Plaza Mayor de Leganés (Main Square of Leganés)
- Parque Polvoranca (Polvoranca Park)
- Casa-Museo de Manuel Bartolomé Cossío (Manuel Bartolomé Cossío House-Museum)
- Monasterio de la Encarnación (Monastery of the Incarnation)
- Teatro Egaleo (Egaleo Theater)
- Casa Consistorial de Leganés (Leganés City Hall)
- Biblioteca Central Municipal Luis Rosales(Luis Rosales Municipal Central Library)
- CD Leganés is a prominent sports team in Leganés, Spain. It was established in 1928 and has a rich history of playing in the lower divisions of Spanish football. In recent times, they have achieved success and played numerous seasons in La Liga, the top division of Spanish football. The team’s home ground is Estadio Municipal de Butarque.
- Another noteworthy sports team from Leganés is Club Voleibol Leganés, a volleyball club that was founded in 1981. They have participated in various national and regional leagues over the years and have won several titles.
- Lastly, Baloncesto Leganés is a basketball club that was founded in 1998. They play their home games at Polideportivo Europa and currently compete in the regional leagues of Madrid.
- Fiestas de San Nicasio: This is the most important festival in Leganés, which takes place in October to honor the patron saint of the city, San Nicasio. The festival lasts for several days and includes parades, concerts, street parties, and fireworks.
- Feria de Leganés: This is a traditional fair that takes place in September and includes amusement rides, food stalls, music performances, and cultural activities.
- Carnaval de Leganés: This carnival celebration takes place in February or March and features colorful costumes, parades with floats and dancers from different neighborhoods of the city.
- Festival Internacional de Jazz de Leganés: This jazz festival attracts musicians from all over the world to perform at various venues throughout the city.
- Semana Santa: Holy Week is celebrated throughout Spain with processions featuring religious figures carried through town on elaborately decorated floats during Easter week.
- Fiestas del Barrio de La Fortuna: In June there are celebrations held in honor of La Fortuna neighborhood that include live music performances by local bands as well as food stalls serving traditional Spanish dishes.
- Feria del Libro y la Cultura en Leganés: A book fair that celebrates literature and culture held every year at Plaza Mayor during May or June where you can find booksellers offering new releases alongside rare editions of classic works spanning centuries past.
Madrid Dishes:
- Cocido Madrileño – a stew made with chickpeas, vegetables, and meats.
- Huevos rotos con jamón – fried eggs with ham and potatoes.
- Callos a la madrileña – tripe stewed in tomato sauce.
Popular Restaurants in Leganés, Spain:
- Restaurante El Cielo de Urrechu.
- Casa Juanito.
- La Vaca y La Huerta.
- El Rincón de Paco.
- Asador Donostiarra.
- Parque Polvoranca is a large park that offers walking and biking trails, picnic areas, and a lake for boating.
- Parque de la Chopera is a riverside park with playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas.
- Piscina Cubierta Municipal de Leganés is an indoor swimming pool that’s open to the public.
- Centro Deportivo Municipal La Fortuna is a sports complex that features tennis courts, basketball courts, soccer fields, and more.
- Teatro Egaleo is a cultural center that hosts concerts, plays, and other performances.
- Biblioteca Central de Leganés serves as the central library of Leganés where you can find books in Spanish as well as other languages.
- Casa del Reloj Cultural Center functions as an arts center where exhibitions and workshops on various topics such as painting or photography are hosted.
- Mercado del Sol Indoor Market provides an indoor market where you can purchase fresh produce from local farmers.
- Karting Carlos Sainz Center Madrid is a popular go-karting track located in Leganes.
- Parque Ciudadania Activa serves as a recreational area with facilities for skateboarding, basketball courts, etc.
