Granada

Formally Granada is said to be founded by Francisco Hernandez de Cordoba in 1524, but the history of the town goes further back than that and Granada is considered the oldest city in continental Latin America since it is situated on the site of the Indian village Xalteva. This colonial city, located on the northwest side of Lago de Nicaragua, was former an important but vulnerable port and was several times plundered by French and British pirates. Old Granada was set on fire by filibuster William Walker in 1856 but still a lot of buildings remain from the colonial time. During different periods in the past Granada was the capital of Nicaragua and is nowadays the seat of the conservative party. The Spanish influence is remarkable; houses painted in bright colours and horse-drawn carriages gives the town its special character. Granada is the third biggest city in Nicaragua but considered the best-developed tourist destination and a good base for boat trips on the famous Lago de Nicaragua.