Founded in 1524, the City of Granada is the oldest city built on the continent during the Spanish conquest. It has had a turbulent history from the very beginning: it endured various pirate attacks during its colonization; it was the capital of the country during various periods, which title was disputed with the city of León until Managua was declared the official capital; it was coveted, captured and destroyed by U.S. pirates; and is currently a tourist attraction visited by many foreign tourists.
 The historical colonial center can be seen on foot or on a traditional horse-drawn carriage. The central park is a good place to start. Here, you can observe the various colonial buildings surrounding the park and enjoy a plate of “vigoron”, a typical Granada dish consisting of cassava and pork rind topped with cabbage salad and accompanied by a glass of “cacao” (milk and cocoa).
 Close to the central park is the San Francisco Convent and museum. This is one of the most important buildings in the city, as it was the first church and convent built by the colonizers in 1529. The museum contains many artifacts and information on the ancient pre-Columbian culture that existed in the area and a collection of statues that were found in the island of Zapatera, an ancient center of indigenous religion.
 There are many colonial buildings and churches in Granada, and strolling down the streets and avenues is an excellent way of appreciating the architectural beauty of this ancient city. Most of the buildings have been beautifully restored or renovated and are used as restaurants, hotels, cultural centers or homes.
Another way of enjoying the view is to climb the bell tower at La Merced church. This church was founded and built in 1534 and was looted and burned by Pirate Morgan in 1670. It was later burned by William Walker, another famous pirate, in 1856. In 1862, it was rebuilt and restored with neoclassical touches. The bell tower underwent various restorations, the last of these in recent years.
 The city also offers a great variety of gastronomical delights for every taste and a vast array of nightspots, all within walking distance.
This city, with its unique colonial architecture, is close to three other tourist spots: the Apoyo lagoon, a crater lagoon with crystalline waters; Lake Nicaragua, a giant body of freshwater with hundreds of small islands; and the Mombacho volcano, a sensational and attractive inactive volcano.
Enjoy the blue, crystalline waters of the Apoyo crater lagoon, located in a natural reserve southwest of the city.
|
Beginning
Enjoy a hike or horseback riding along the paths of the reserve and its buffer zone. Lush vegetation and varied flora and fauna can be found in the tropical forest that extends from the lakeshore all the way to the lookout point at the tip of the crater.
Lake Nicaragua, or Lake Cocibolca, is the tenth largest lake in the world and the second largest in Latin America. The lake is connected to the Caribbean Sea by the San Juan River, which in ancient times gave the city strategic importance, as it allowed pirates and Spanish conquerors to access firm land. The location of Granada was also chosen because of its tactical and logistical advantages.
Lake Cocibolca is known for its freshwater sharks. Today, the bull shark is rarely seen. However, this water basin is still home to many water animals, amphibians and birds.
It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours to hike the paths along the top of the Mombacho volcano. You can observe spectacular flora and fauna and enjoy the incredible view. The Canopy Tour is another possible activity at the Mombacho volcano.
The mixing and melting of many people has given Nicaragua an important heritage and has given birth to a colorful, happy and creative culture. Although this culture is not well known around the world, its variety and warmth guarantee an interesting treasure waiting to be discovered.
