On 14 May, the León Provincial Tourism Consortium presented the “Gaudí Year in León” project in Barcelona, a cultural and tourism initiative that aims to highlight the legacy of Antoni Gaudí in the province through two of his major works outside Catalonia: Casa Botines and the Episcopal Palace of Astorga.
The event took place in the Aula Magna of the Casa de Convalescència in Barcelona before an audience of more than 30 journalists and content creators, and brought together institutional representatives and cultural figures linked to the project in the centenary year of the Catalan architect’s death.
The presentation was attended by Juan Luis Pérez Suárez, president of the León Provincial Tourism Consortium; David Fernández, head of Tourism for the city of León; Tomás Valle Villalibre, councillor for Culture, Education and Specific Social Affairs at Astorga Town Council; and Raúl Fernández Sobrino, director of the Casa Botines Gaudí Museum, managed by FUNDOS, the Castilla y León Social Work Foundation.
During the presentation, the main themes of a programme were unveiled, which aims to position León within the international narrative of Modernism and reinforce the province’s role as a cultural destination linked to Gaudí’s work outside Catalonia. It was also announced that the new permanent exhibition at the Casa Botines Gaudí Museum will open on 25 June, alongside the opening to the public of new spaces that were previously inaccessible.
The initiative offers a different perspective on the architect, linking heritage, territory and the travel experience, whilst highlighting the lesser-known aspects of his career. In this regard, the project connects León with the international network of cities and regions associated with European Modernism, in a context made particularly significant by the commemoration of the centenary of Gaudí’s death.
In addition to its heritage and architectural aspects, the “Gaudí Year in León” aims to boost the province’s profile as a tourist destination through cultural activities, educational initiatives and programmes aimed at both domestic and international visitors.
The presentation in Barcelona also served to strengthen the cultural ties between Catalonia and León through the figure of Antoni Gaudí, one of the great universal icons of architecture.
Casa Botines
Casa Botines in León stands as a stone dream born of the genius of Antoni Gaudí, between 1891 and 1892, combining commercial and residential functions in an innovative Neo-Gothic building, which stands out for its appearance as a medieval fortress with pointed towers and lancet windows.
Gaudí designed the building’s interior with great intelligence: light, structure and functionality conceived for everyday life… making it an essential icon of the city of León.
Gaudí’s Palace in Astorga
Gaudí’s Palace in Astorga stands like a castle from a legend, designed by Antoni Gaudí in 1889, in the shadow of the cathedral.
Every architectural and decorative detail displays a distinct Neo-Gothic style, evident in the pointed arches, pinnacles and cylindrical towers, with an interior organised around a central space featuring skylights and stained-glass windows.
It was conceived as a bishop’s residence, combining religious and symbolic functions with a medieval spirit.
Source: TOMCOM VIDEO
