León, Nicaragua

León, Nicaragua
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Street_in_Le%C3%B3n,_Nicaragua_4.jpg
Author: eric molina


León is the second biggest city in Nicaragua. Located on the western coast, it has a population of 180,000 people (2011 estimate). The city rivals Granada as among the oldest in the country. Both were founded by Francisco Hernández de Córdoba.

Although León traces its history to 1524, the initial city founded by Francisco Hernández de Córdoba had to be abandoned in 1610, most probably due to the eruption of the Momotombo volcano.

The present city of León is located 20 miles to the west of the previous city. Many of its buildings were built in the 18th century. Many of these are well preserved, providing a glimpse and some of the finest examples of Spanish Colonial architecture in Central America. In 1995, the Cathedral of León as well as the main street were inscribed as a World Heritage Site.

Maximo Jerez Monument, León
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Maximo_Jerez_Monument_-_Le%C3%B3n,_Nicaragua_2.jpg
Author: eric molina


León served as the capital of Nicaragua after it pulled out from the United Provinces of Central America in 1839, and in the subsequent years, it alternated with Granada as national capital. Eventually a compromise was reached and Managua took over as permanent capital in 1858.

Visiting León

There are minibuses from Universidad Centro Americana and vans from Mercado Israel Lewites in Managua. There are also express buses between Managua and León.

Places of Interest in León

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