Colonial Centre

About this place

The colonial centre of Granada is the heart of one of Nicaragua's loveliest cities, on the shore of Lake Nicaragua. Its streets of coloured houses and yellow and red churches surround a central park. The city is known as La Gran Sultana for its Moorish and Andalusian look, unlike León with its Castilian trends. Francisco Hernández de Córdoba founded it in 1524 and named it after Granada in Spain. It prospered on trade with the Atlantic via the lake and the San Juan River, and English, French and Dutch pirates attacked it several times. It long competed with León. In the 1850s a general of the American filibuster William Walker set the city ablaze before escaping, so much of what you see was rebuilt. You start at the central park with its fountain and trees, facing a yellow cathedral with a large dome. Calle La Calzada, mostly closed to cars, runs toward the lake, with cafés and evening lights. La Merced and Xalteva churches stand among fronts with arches and wooden balconies. From tower tops you see red roofs, Mombacho and the lake. The park is beside the cathedral in the city centre, and walking is enough to get around. Mornings and evenings are best, as midday is very hot. The churches are places of worship, so dress modestly. Pavements are uneven, so take care at night. The busy street has cafés serving alcohol, so choose what suits you, and watch your bag in crowds.