León

Managua | Granada | Masaya and Market of Masaya | Pueblos Blancos (White Towns)
Mombacho Volcano | San Juan del Sur | León | Montelimar | Matagalpa and Jinotega
Esteli | Ocotal | The River San Juan | Corn Islands | The Solentiname Archipelago | Ometepe

Located in the western part of the country, this town was founded by the Spanish conqueror Francisco Hernandez de Cordoba in 1552. The old city of León was destroyed in an earthquake in 1609 and nowadays you can visit the ruins, 32 kilometers from the present town. León was the capital of Nicaragua until 1852 when the title was handed over to Managua.

The streets and buildings have preserved the style from the colonial time and as an additional influence from Spain, the inhabitants possesses a strong faith which shows in their caring for the many old and beautiful churches that are scattered all over the town. The churches are found in every district of León and each one with a special architectural style depending on the year of construction.

Those are some of the churches and other places of historical and cultural interest that you can enjoy in and around the town:

• "Ermita de San Pedro"
• Subtiava church
• La Merced church
• La Recoleccion church
• Calvario church
• "Mausoleo de Ruben Dario"
• House and museum of Ruben Dario
• Art Foundation Ortiz Guardian
• Municipal Theatre Jose de la Cruz Mena
• "Universidad Rectora"
• Entomologic museum
• Poneloya Beach and las Penitas
• Juan Venado Island, Natural Reserve
• Telica Volcano }
• "Hervideros San Jecinto"
• San Jecinto Hot Springs
• Cathedral of Leon