What is León Nicaragua known for?
León long has been noted as a liberal political and intellectual centre of Nicaragua. In 1952 the University of León (founded in 1812) became part of the National University of Nicaragua. Rubén Darío, one of the greatest Spanish-American poets, lived and was educated there.
How old is León Nicaragua?
The first city named León in Nicaragua was founded in 1524 by Francisco Hernández de Córdoba about 30 kilometres (20 mi) east of the present site. The city was abandoned in 1610 after a series of earthquakes spawned by a volcanic eruption. The ruins of that city are known as León Viejo and were excavated in 1960.
What was the old capital of Nicaragua?
Managua, Nicaragua. Throughout the Spanish colonial period, Managua was recognized only as an Indian town, outranked by the relatively nearby Spanish cities of León and Granada. Its choice as a permanent capital in 1857 came after partisans of those two rival cities had exhausted themselves in internecine conflict.
Who founded León Nicaragua?
conquistador Francisco Hernández de Córdoba
Founded in 1524 by Spanish conquistador Francisco Hernández de Córdoba, León and Granada are two of the oldest colonial cities in the Americas.
Is León Nicaragua safe?
Leon and Granada have many tourists and are safe. At night you need to use caution in some areas of the cities. It is best to take a cab and not walk through those areas.
Is it worth visiting León Nicaragua?
It’s also the country’s second largest city. More a city of locals and university students than a tourist destination, the allure and youthful energy of Leon is contagious. Awash in revolutionary history, art, and colonial beauty, it’s definitely worth a visit.
What is the oldest city in Nicaragua?
Granada
Founded in 1524, Granada enjoys the distinction of being the oldest colonial city in the Americas that still remains in the same place of its foundation.
What is special about ruins of León Viejo?
The Ruins of León Viejo are an exceptional testimony of the first European settlements in the New World. Founded in 1524 by Francisco Hernández de Córdoba, during its short history, the city has undergone a series of natural disasters.