Leon Viejo Ruins
Jul 17, 2024
Nicaragua
The atmospheric ruins of Leon Viejo (old Leon) are located approximately 45 minutes drive from the city of Leon and are well worth a visit.
from
£2495
Located in the heart of Nicaragua’s capital city, Old Managua Cathedral is one of the country’s most iconic, some would say emblematic, buildings.
Officially known as Santiago of Managua Cathedral, construction of the cathedral began in 1928, its design heavily influenced by the neoclassical school of architecture which was still popular across the region at that time. With its symmetrical frontage, elegant columns and classical detailing, the cathedral was designed to reflect Managua’s aspirations to become a modern, prosperous city.
Having been inaugurated in 1946, less than 30 years later, in 1976, Managua was devastated by a massive earthquake that destroyed much of the city and left up to 10,000 dead and some 300,000 residents without a home.
Although the cathedral remained largely standing and intact after the earthquake, it was nonetheless considered structurally unsafe and was never again used as a place of worship.
Today, its windows all gone, Old Managua Cathedral stands, for now at least, preserved as an atmospheric and melancholic ruin and a reminder of one of the most painful incidents in Nicaraguan history.
Located close to the shores of Lake Xolatlan, Old Managua Cathedral is perhaps the single most popular foreign visitor destination in Managua, one that can easily be combined with the nearby Plaza de la Revolucion, the National Palace of Culture and the city’s small historic centre.
Best visited in the early morning or late afternoon, Old Managua Cathedral is also located relatively close to the city’s international airport so, for those short on time and / or simply passing through, it is still feasible to include a quick break at this most iconic of sites.
Beyond The Ordinary arrange tailor made tours of Nicaragua which can easily include a visit to Old Managua Cathedral. Also recommended are visits to Granada Cathedral and Leon Cathedral, the latter a UNESCO World Heritage site.
For those who enjoy old ruins, we also highly recommend a visit to Leon Viejo (Old Leon).
