A LEGANÉS´ TOUR
Leganés was called "Leganos" or "Legamar" to be near a pond. Middle Ages Leganés Origin
THE MODERN AGE: XVII CENTURY In 1626 the king Felipe IV, gave the village of Leganés to D. Diego Messía de Guzmán, the first Marqués de Leganés. In 1626 the king Felipe IV, gave the village of Leganés to D. Diego Messía de Guzmán, the first Marqués de Leganés. At this time, in Leganés there were about 1,700 residents.
The Marquis of Leganés He became one of the greatest painting collectors of his time. (1,200 works). Some of them are now in the Prado Museum. As lord of Leganés was the only one with authority to appoint mayors, dispensing justice, etc..
Let’s see buildings of this time...
The Church of San Salvador This church was started in the early sixteenth century in 1520.
The altar and the organ The most valuable inside this church are: + A baroque altarpiece made by José de Churriguera in A baroque altarpiece made by José de Churriguera in Very important is the organ of Very important is the organ of 1790.
The Hermitage of San Nicasio The Hermitage of San Nicasio It was designed by Ventura Rodríguez, commissioned by Leganés’ nobility. San Nicasio is the patron saint of Leganes and it is celebrated on October 11 th.
The Royal Guards Walonas Barracks - It was designed by architect Francisco Sabatini. It had a military use until 1987, when the regiment left the Savoy building. - - Today is part of the group of buildings of the Carlos III University of Madrid.
Santa Isabel House The most important building of this era is the mental hospital "Casa de Santa Isabel". was in honor of Queen Elizabeth II. It was the ancient palace where the Dukes of Medinaceli lived. This center is considered the first existing asylum in Spain.
The Leganes asylum The name of Leganés was known throughout Spain because of this building
Aerial view of Leganés 1929
Plaza de la Fuente Honda (Deep Fountain) Previously it was called VEGETABLE SQUARE, for the commercial activity developed there. It was called deep fountain because to fetch water from the fountain you had to go down stairs. It was also a place for celebrations.
SECOND PART XX CENTURY Since 1960, the city grows very fast: many Spaniards who came to work in Madrid decided to live in surrounding areas like Leganés because the houses were cheaper. They came from Extremadura, Castilla-La Mancha and Andalusia. They also came from other countries in Europe, Africa and Latin America.
END OF THE CENTURY In the is when Leganés starts providing basic services: schools and colleges for all. Public transport and new health centers are improved. In 1987 the Hospital Severo Ochoa opened..
In the past decade it has been dedicated to improve the city with parks, museums, gardens, bike path and new neighborhoods...
Remodeling Polvoranca Park The creation of the Carlos III University
They have also been constructed Cultural and Leisure Centres and other municipal buildings such as the new Town HallThey have also been constructed Cultural and Leisure Centres and other municipal buildings such as the new Town Hall
Leganés’ Town Halls TTTThe City Town Hall has always been in the Plaza of Spain. TTTToday the New Town Hall is located in the Plaza Mayor