Chinandega

About

Chinandega was a small settlement during the colonial era, being described as a ‘piece of paradise’ in 1613. The fertile lands surrounding the city, and its role as a commercial hub allowed Chinandega to flourish - it even served as the capital of the fleeting Federal Republic of Central America. Despite earthquakes, hurricanes, and political strife, the city has managed to preserve its roots. In colonial tradition, it’s centered around the Neo-Romanesque Our Lady Santa Ana Church. Rebuilt following an earthquake in 1885, the Antigueño-style doors on the north and south flanks of the church are from an older building. Chinandega doesn’t protect its colonial buildings by law like other Nicaraguan cities, but there are still quite a few other colonial-style churches and buildings scattered around. The city has a small, but excellent archaeological museum with an extensive collection of pre-Columbian artefacts.