Leon

Leon Viejo (the older Leon) was founded by Hernandez de Cordoba in 1524 and situated by the foot of the Volcan Momotombo. This city was destroyed in an earthquake 1609 and today only the ruins of the colonial settlement are visible. The city of Leon that still exists was beginning to be built the year after the earthquake and 32 kilometers from the previous site. Leon was the capital of Nicaragua for more than 200 years before the title was handed over to Managua in 1851. Leon though is still considered the intellectual capital of the country, housing a famous university and the biggest Cathedral in Central America, La Basilica de la Asuncion.

Leon is inhabited by 170,000 residents and is famous for its colonial spirit with narrow streets, green parks and a great amount of small churches.