 is the village of the original indigenous people of Subtiava, which was around long before the Spanish arrived. The Barrio is home to the San Juan Bautista de Subtiava church, which dates back to 1700. In Subtiava, you’ll also find the ruins of the 16th century church, Vera Cruz, which was destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 1835.
Of cultural significance is the Sandinista Party Center, which is the site where the first of the Somozas, Anastasio Somoza García, was assassinated in 1956. A plaque hangs today on the center’s façade in honor of the assassin, Rigoberto López Pérez.
León also offers many interesting architecture, including the Catedral de la Asunción. This is the largest church in Central America. Its interiors boast high arches, heavy columns, huge walls, and religious paintings by Antonio Sarra. The church, however, is most famous for storing the tomb and grave of the much celebrated Nicaraguan poet, Rubén Darío.
The 19th century El Fortín fort is another interesting structure, once used as a prison. Because it sits on a hill, it offers a beautiful view of León and the volcanoes nearby. Also of interest are the Xalteva and La Merced churches, the San Francisco Convent, and the magnificently-carved Casa de los Leones.
There are three notable museums in León: the Museo y Archivo Rubén Darío, the El Museo de Tradiciones y Leyndas (Museum of Traditions and Legends), and the Casa Popular de Cultura. The Museo y Archivo Rubén Darío was the house where the famous Nicaraguan poet, Rubén Darío, lived when he was a boy. The museum houses Darío’s personal collections, including a plaster death mask that was made shortly after he died. Meanwhile, the Museum of Traditions and Legends is the infamous jail used from 1921 to 1979 by the Somozas to torture prisoners and includes walls with paintings retelling the torture suffered by the prisoners. Finally, the Casa Popular de Cultura is a small arts museum containing the collection of paintings by local León artists. All three museums are worth checking out; together, they help visitors gain a greater appreciation and understanding of León’s culture and history.
This is one of the nicer beaches in Nicaragua, located about 15 miles west of León. It is packed during the weekends but uncrowded during the week. You can enjoy various water sports at Poneloya as well as good seafood at the beach-side restaurants.
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