Palacio de los Guzmanes

This grand Renaissance palace in central León was begun in the sixteenth century for a noble family and displays an elegant courtyard with tiered arcades, carved balustrades and a monumental staircase. Its stone facade, adorned with coats of arms, grilled windows and corner towers, faces the Gaudí-designed Casa Botines across a small square. Now serving as the seat of the provincial government, parts of the building are open for guided visits revealing the arcaded patio and ceremonial rooms of León's golden-age aristocracy.