Leon

Leon is one of the oldest cities, and the second largest, of Nicaragua. The original city was built on the shores of Lake Managua and only a couple of miles away of majestic Momotombo Volcano. With barely 100 years of existence and after the extensively destruction caused by the 1610 eruption of Momotombo, the city was then rebuilt at a safer location, away from the active volcano. In spite of this, the ruins of the old city have become a UNESCO World Heritage place.

The newer city of Leon is already a historic Nicaraguan city and is one of the most important destinations in the whole Central American region. Leon was rebuilt where Native Nicaraguans, belonging to the tribe Subtiava, have lived for centuries. In contrast with Granada and its all-gone original dwellers, the Xalteva people, the Subtiava indigenous populations have made their culture and traditions survived through centuries of struggle.

Leon is recognized by its numerous colonial houses and buildings that are as beautifully designed and built as modern establishments such as luxury black pool hotels. This city used to be the Capital City of Nicaragua during the first years of independence and used to be also a main destination for Central American students during the XIX century. Leon has remained as an intellectual and cultural center for Nicaragua. Leon is known as a revolutionary city, where many of the rebellions in the history of Nicaragua ignited. It is a city ready to revolt against injustices. In recent years, Leon has becoming a main attraction for tourists, as it has been slowly being restored to its former grandeur. There has been an increasing number of foreigners moving in the city, renovating old colonial homes and igniting the tourist industry. Leon has beginning to experience an economic booming that has raised the capability of the city to receive travelers, and investors among them.

See Leon picture gallery

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