Leon - photos

Leon:

Prior to reaching El Salvador we stopped in the nice city of Leon. Leon is the second largest city in Nicaragua and was founded in 1524 by el Senor De Los Caballeros de Leon. In 1610, due to an eruption of the Momotombo Volcano, the city was abandoned and the inhabitants decided to move to its current location next to the indigenous village of Subtavia. The ruins of the old city were called "Leon El Viejo" and were named Unesco World Heritage in 2000. Leon was the original capital of Nicaragua but the long conflict with Granada (see Granada post) lead the government to chose Managua as capital of Nicaragua.

We were pleased to visit Leon with its charmng colonial buildings and churches. And at the inverse of its competitor Granada, the city was full of life especially due to a high population of students (the university of Leon was built in 1813) but also locals. We stayed in a nice B&B quite expensive but after the night spent in Masachapa we needed to relax and why not some "comfort": water! and hot water, nice mattress and pillows, a quiet place and a delicious breakfast. We were supposed to stay only one night but it was so comfy that we stayed 2 nights in the end!

- The Cathedral of the Assumption, the largest in Central America. The building started in 1706 to end in 1779,
- View of the cathedral from the Parque Central and its fountain,
- While taking pictures of the Cathedral, we chatted with a local boy who at the end wanted some money. But as he was a nice lad, we gave him a couple of cordobas (the local money) and he accepted to be photographied with Lee,
- The Iglesia de la Recoleccion with its baroque facade was built during the 18th Century. We could not take any picture of the full church because of all the kids around. There was a girls school just in front of the church and the girls were happy to see 2 gringos and were "fighting" to be taken in picture!
- Iglesia El Calvario, also built during the 18th Century. Superb brick facade,
- How relaxing was it to have the breakfast on this patio! The hotel was a renovated Spanish colonial house and included this refreshing and quiet atmosphere.