Leon Nicaragua

About

Leon was first established in 1524 by the conquistador Francisco Hernández de Córdoba, though the present city is located a few miles from the original site. Leon served as the capital of Nicaragua through colonial times, and with the founding of the National Autonomous University of Nicaragua, it also became the country’s intellectual capital. These students helped form the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN), which led the revolt against the US-backed Somoza dictatorship in the 1970s. For those looking to learn more about Leon’s liberal history, you can stop by the Museo Historico de la Revolución. Leon has several colonial-era churches, but the main landmark is its Baroque cathedral, which offers the best views in town from for those who pay the $3 to visit the roof. For those who really want to immerse themselves in the city’s history and culture, Hokano Adventures offers a Revolution Tour, which will take you to the cities main sights, and give more detailed context to what you’re seeing.