Examine a symbol of Mexico’s national pride at the Heroes’ Causeway Arch, also known as the Triumphal Arch, one of the enduring icons of Leon. The Triumphal Arch was erected in 1883 as the Arc of Peace to commemorate the country’s declaration of independence. Marvel at the stonework by Daniel Herrera Jiménez, the mason who also crafted the stones for the breathtaking Expiatorio Temple, which is located just a short walk from the arch.
Visit the arch to photograph one of Leon’s most iconic sights, a symbol of the city’s fierce pride. Crane your neck upward to look at the bronze lion that stands proudly on top of the arch. Take a trip to Leon Zoo to see the original cement lion that decorated the column, before it was replaced by the bronze version. The lion is said to represent the strength and pride of the people who live here.
Stroll around the base of the arch, admiring the pink-stone Doric columns that decorate one of its sides. Visit at night to see the lion lit up, which makes the bronze figure appear even more majestic.
Wander along the Heroes’ Causeway to soak up the atmosphere of Leon. A wide pedestrianized space offers places to sit beneath trees and small garden areas within view of the arch. Find dining and accommodations along the edge of the road, as well as a series of eight bronze sculptures.
Occasionally, the city decorates the arch to give the iconic landmark a more patriotic look. Take a photo of the arch transformed into a huge Mexican flag, when the columns are colored with red, white and green tinsel and an eagle symbol is hung from the center.
Visit the Heroes’ Causeway Arch at any time. It is an easy destination to find while in Leon. Stroll here from the nearby Templo Expiatorio del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus, which is less than 5 minutes away. Walk east for 20 minutes to reach the artistic hub of Leon, home of the Bicentennial Theatre and the Museum of Art and History.
