León is perfect for a tourist trip to Nicaragua.

In the north of Nicaragua, near the border with Honduras, we find this perfect enclave for a short stay.

The Department of León:

The Department of León is characterized by spectacular landscapes, beautiful beaches, volcanoes, and countless attractive, little-explored destinations. This department is home to four volcanoes in the Los Maribios mountain range, as well as beautiful beaches, historic towns, and, above all, churches with beautiful architecture.

Municipalities of León:
Located in the west of the country, also known as “The University City” or “The Metropolitan City,” the Department of León has an area of ​​5,138.03 km² and a population of approximately 441,308 inhabitants distributed across its ten municipalities: Nagarote, La Paz Centro, León City, Quezalguaque, Telica, Larreynaga, El Sauce, Achuapa, El Jicaral, and Santa Rosa del Peñón.

From this land have emerged important figures such as the Prince of Castilian Literature, Rubén Darío, Salomón de la Selva, Alfonso Cortes, and Azarías H. Pallais; the waltz king, José de la Cruz Mena, among other illustrious figures, both in the national independence and in the country’s intellectual life.

City of León, Nicaragua:

The departmental capital, the city of León, is the second most important in the country and one of the most majestic colonial cities in all of Central America, as it was one of the first cities founded by the Spanish upon arriving on the continent.

The city of León, whose original name is Santiago de los Caballeros de León, was founded on June 19, 1524, by Francisco Hernández de Córdoba, near the indigenous village of Imabite and on the edge of the Momotombo volcano. In 1610, due to strong seismic movements and a massive eruption of the Momotombo volcano, the city had to relocate to its current location, next to the Sutiava indigenous village. León Viejo, where the ancient ruins can now be visited, remains a reminder of the Momotombo volcano’s eruption, which killed a large part of the city’s population.

Although less populated than Managua, León has been the nation’s intellectual center, with a university founded in 1813, the last established in the Americas before independence, and the most important in Central America for a full century. León is also an important industrial and commercial center in Nicaragua.

The first capital of the Revolution:

Until Managua was designated the capital of Nicaragua, León rivaled Granada for such representativeness. And it is proud to have been the first capital of the Revolution.

It is one of the most beautiful colonial cities in Central America and boasts two major monuments declared World Heritage Sites: Old León and León Cathedral.

The main attraction of the city of León is its rich monumental heritage.

History of León, Nicaragua:

It is well known for its diverse religious architectural heritage and its numerous churches.

León Cathedral, Nicaragua

First and foremost, the most famous and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is the Insigne y Real Basílica Catedral de la Asunción de la Blessed Virgin Mary, León Cathedral. A typical colonial Baroque construction, it was built between 1747 and 1814. The towers are in the neoclassical style and are very well preserved.

Due to the robustness of its walls, it has withstood several earthquakes, volcanic eruptions from the Cerro Negro volcano, and wars. In 1824, several cannons were placed on its roof during the siege of the city by conservative forces, and during the June and July 1979 uprising against dictator Anastasio Somoza Debayle, it was also a scene of war. This cathedral is the largest in Central America.

Neighborhoods of León:

The city is made up of several neighborhoods and shantytowns spread throughout the city, many of which take their names from the nearest church, such as the Laborío neighborhood. The most famous, without a doubt, is the indigenous neighborhood of Sutiava, where an indigenous community still resides today.

León Cathedral:

It was the first episcopal see in Nicaragua, established in 1531, making it one of the oldest dioceses in the Americas. The tomb of the poet Rubén Darío is located here, at the foot of the statue of Saint Paul, the father of modernism and considered the Prince of Castilian literature. In its crypts, designed to withstand earthquakes, are buried some of the nation’s illustrious figures, such as the poets Salomón de la Selva and Alfonso Cortés; the national hero Miguel Larreynaga; and the musician José de la Cruz Mena.

León Park, Nicaragua

The Churches of León:

The Church of San Juan de Bautista de Sutiava is considered the largest church after León Cathedral and is also of great architectural interest. Construction began in 1698 and was completed in 1710. During the Central American War, in 1844, the dome crowning the tower was destroyed and had to be rebuilt at the beginning of the 20th century.

León Church, Nicaragua

The Church of San Francisco, part of the San Francisco Convent, one of the oldest in Nicaragua, founded in 1639 by Fray Pedro de Zúñiga. With a façade renovated in the late 19th century, the interior preserves two fine examples of Plateresque altars.

The Church of El Calvario, of urban interest due to its spatial layout, dates from the first half of the 18th century, although its north tower underwent modifications in the 20th century.

The Ruins of the San Sebastián Church, built in the late 17th century as a chapel for the Cathedral, was one of the first religious buildings in the city. It was rebuilt in the late 18th century by Colonel Joaquín Arrechavala. It was bombed during the capture of León by Nicaraguan Air Force planes in 1979, and because it was made of adobe, it was easily destroyed, unlike the other churches, which, being built of brick and quarry stone, withstood the fighting.

The Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Mercy. This is the temple where Our Lady of Mercy, patron saint of the city, is venerated. The Church and Convent of La Merced was one of the first buildings to be designed and built on the new site of the city of León. The current church, which houses the Shrine of Our Lady of Mercy, is the third built on the same site, which was established after the relocation of the city of León in 1610.

León Nicaragua Church

To build it, the old church had to be demolished. This likely occurred in the second half of the 18th century. Regarding the current church of La Merced, Diego Angulo Iñiguez, in his work “History of Hispanic-American Art,” written between 1945 and 1950, tells us that: “After the Cathedral, the most important preserved Baroque church is surely that of La Merced, also in León.

There is evidence that the construction was directed by Pascual Somarriba, who, according to Julio Valle-Castillo in his work “The Cathedral of León, Nicaragua,” may have also directed the construction of the current León Cathedral, which began in 1747. The plans for the temple were drawn up by the Mercedarian Friar Pedro de Ávila. This friar, Pedro de Ávila, arrived in Nicaragua in 1766, “as the skilled architect for the current León Cathedral.” It should also be noted that the current La Merced church is the only one in Nicaragua with its bell tower outside the facade, suggesting that it was built later.

Other buildings and places of interest in León:

The José de la Cruz Mena Municipal Theater: Located one block west of the central park is the former Municipal Theater. It was built by members of the Ateneo Leonés in 1885 and restored a few years ago after fire damage. It’s worth visiting and exploring the interiors, which will transport you back to the beginning of the last century.

León’s Markets:

There are three major markets in the city. The central market, located behind the Cathedral, is where you can experience a popular market and experience the hustle and bustle of Nicaraguan daily life. The second market, located next to the San Juan Church, near the old train station, maintains a brisk business and supplies much of the city. The third, located next to the bus terminal in the Coyolar neighborhood, is the smallest of the three, although it is well-stocked and you can find any product. There is also another well-stocked market in Sutiava.

The Old Railway Station:

Located near the Church of San Juan, the railway station is worth a visit for its architectural interest, although it is deteriorating over time and is a remnant of its former self. Nicaragua stopped having a train in the early 1990s during the UNO government of Violeta Chamorro.

The Rubén Darío Archive Museum:

Located near La Salle School, in the house where the great poet grew up with his aunt Bernarda Sarmiento and Colonel Félix Ramírez. In the museum, you can visit the writer’s personal belongings and those from the house, as well as period furniture and various objects. It’s interesting to stop by and learn a little about Nicaraguan history from the previous century.

Ortiz-Gurdián Foundation Art Museum:
Located one block north of the Rubén Darío Archive Museum, you can visit several works of art by great Baroque and Renaissance masters. The museum occupies two architecturally interesting colonial houses in León and was founded in 1996 by Ricardo Ortiz and Patricia Gurdián.

Tourism in León:

León offers tourist activities for all tastes: climb any of its eight volcanoes, enjoy the Pacific beaches, or surf. The best-known activities are located between the city of León and the municipality of Nagarote.

Visit the historic ruins of Old León, a city buried in 1610 by the eruption of the Momotombo Volcano and declared a World Heritage Site for its importance. Stroll through the streets of León and visit its famous cathedral, the tomb of Rubén Darío, also a World Heritage Site, or its various churches, museums, and galleries.

Sandboarding in León, Nicaragua:

Sandboarding has become very popular among the most adventurous tourists. This activity consists of descending the Cerro Negro Volcano on a snowboard-like surface. If you’re interested in this activity, we recommend speaking with one of the tour operators in León who organize it.

León Beaches, Nicaragua:

The most important beaches in the city of León are Poneloya and Las Peñitas, both with tourist facilities. From Las Peñitas, you can visit Juan Venado Island, a 22-km nature reserve. Surfing is also possible.

Las Peñitas Beach is the perfect spot for a family or couples vacation. Both are very quiet and uncrowded, except during Easter and Christmas. There are several hotels in Las Peñitas that offer quality service at low prices.

Las Peñitas, León, Nicaragua

If you prefer to visit other beaches in the department of León, the most important beaches in Nagarote are Puerto Sandino, El Velero, and El Transito. The former is the most popular for surfing. All of them have tourist infrastructure.

Hotels in León:

The hotel offering in León is one of the most varied in the country. You can find everything from cheap lodgings and hostels to luxury hotels with all the amenities. We recommend booking your room in advance before arriving in the city so you don’t find yourself without a place to sleep. You can see the best hotels and hostels in León, Nicaragua, in our directory.

Typical Food in León:

Indian Viejo is the typical dish of the area, consisting of a delicious corn and meat stew seasoned with spices and citrus fruits. Fresh fish and seafood are also highly appreciated by visitors.

If you want to eat at one of León’s restaurants, we recommend visiting our directory, where you will find the best restaurants in the city.

HOW TO GET TO LEÓN, NICARAGUA

Getting to León from Managua is easy. The fastest way is to take the Nueva a León highway, which will take you directly to León. If you want to take a bus, also from Managua, you should go to the Israel Lewites Market, where buses depart regularly for León, or you can look for the minibuses that leave from the UCA bus stop.