Granada
Historically one of the nation’s most important cities, Granada is steeped in a strong brew of history, culture, politics, and art. Beautiful streets are lined with colorful colonial buildings dating back to the city’s founding in 1524, designed and displaying a resemblance to its Spanish sister cities in Moorish and Andalusian styles. Religious landmarks, historical sites, modern-day amenities, and thrilling attractions mix to heighten Nicaragua’s status as a top tourist destination in world travel.
Nicaragua Granada Pixabay Public Domain
Perhaps the most recognizable and magnificent structure in Granada is the Catedral de Granada, a colonial design of saffron yellow facades, bright white trim and orange slate domed roofs. The picturesque building serves as a launching point for many tourists who enjoy history, architecture, and religion. For another historic church, the Guadalupe Church is highly recommended. Though it is not as well maintained and colorful, Guadalupe is a moving spiritual destination with marvelous views of the city. The Convent and Museum of San Francisco is not only a spectacularly preserved religious order but it is a wonderful cultural museum as well with collections of statues, art, and beauty with even the facade itself creating a wonderful postcard perfect look with robin’s egg blue walls and white decorative trim.
Like much of Central America, Nicaragua is an eco-tourism wonderland filled with volcanoes, jungles, lakes, and caves perfect for touring adventures. While in Granada, take a trip to or hike up the Mombacho Volcano set in a sensationally scenic cloud forest filled with wildlife. The Islets of Granada area another popular choice as a relaxing tour of the waterways, jungles, and wildlife of the area.
Within the city, tourists find their fill of fun attractions with choices like Choco Museo and Cafe where you can tour the candy store, see how chocolate is processed, and sample some of their delicious products. You may know that Nicaragua has had a tumultuous military and political past and now that energies have settled, you can visit the historic sites like Fortaleza La Polvora, a military fort constructed in the mid-18th century. If you find yourselves a little lost, a stop at the Tourist Center is never remiss and this is certainly not your average tourist center with sandy beaches, activities for families, restaurants, discos, and spots for launching your own ecotourism activities. City tours, both walking and guide are a great way to see everything Granada has to offer.
