A Short Visit to Leon

Submitted by DanPolley on 23 January, 2008 - 13:05.
A Short Visit to Leon

My first visit to Leon. Was I ever impressed, very clean, lots to see, good food and lots of friendly people. We managed to visit 6 of the 7 must see items on the visitors map. One that was just beyond expectations was the Centro De Arte. This one museum is worth the trip by its self. One other site we visited is the Fort overlooking the city. The road to it is rough but the view is worth it. A return visit is a given. This image is just one of many that you may see at http://dancesar.com .

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Whats the fort overlooking the city and how do you get there?

Submitted by jimmy c on 30 January, 2008 - 15:07.

I have been in Leon for almost a year and havn´t heard of this fort.

El Fortin

Submitted by bluewater on 30 January, 2008 - 16:17.

You go there through Sutiaba and the road is rough. It was a Guardia Nacional command post and a place where political prisoners were detained, tortured and killed. The Frente later took control and did the same thing to their political prisoners. It has a commanding view over the city and unfortunately over the city dump as well. Ortega leads marches there on occasion to commemorate the battles at the fort.

2 roads get you there

Submitted by Mark on 25 January, 2008 - 00:22.

You can take the road you mention which is in good shape or you can take the interior road. This road is not in as good shape but it does go past the old city of Leon which is interesting. Also, you really get a sense of the beauty of the country with rolling hills and valleys all the way.

There are fewer Gringos in Leon than Granada but this city to me has more potential. You are close to the beach (though the road is terrible) and is really a gem but the climate is hot. For some reason Gringos choose not to buy like they have in Granada and live. Leon is light years ahead in terms of education and the arts. They have chosen to let a huge piece of graffiti stay up near the park that says "Bush Muerte...Genocida...)for over 5 years. The city is safe at night to walk pretty much. "El Doctor" hotel is very good for the price and they have a place to park your car for free and breakfast is included. Just a few blocks from the center of town. I think they should find a way to place the cell phone tower a few miles away or upgrade to a more modern one that is less of an eyesore. You have one of the oldest churchs in Nicaragua right in front of the ugliest cell tower in Nicaragua.

The Fundacion Ortiz Gurdian has 2 museums and I entered for free because it was Sunday. I gave my 5D Canon to the security guard and when I picked it up I gave him 50 Cords. His name is Roberto and has worked there for 6 years. They have many paintings in storage (the door was open) so they keep the displays changing. There are some great pieces here-many priceless from CA artists from the 50's and 60's. Not too mention it is an incredible building to walk around in.

25 minutes west down the beach road will get you to Hotel Supoyo" sp? and excellent hotel and even better restaurant right on the beach. I hear they are going to pave this road soon so you will be able to go from Leon to Ponoloya in 10 minutes in the future.

Anyone have anything bad to say about Leon besides the heat?

Not an expert on the city as I have only been there a few times but I am looking forward to return.

There's a very good road to Leon

Submitted by serenityweb on 24 January, 2008 - 11:02.

"The road to it is rough but the view is worth it"

Sounds like you took the old unmaintained road to Leon (the run that runs by the road to Montelimar) rather than the one that runs by Lake Managua and through Nagarote and Paz Centro. The one where you turn right when the new U.S. embassy appears on your left and Claro appears at your right (sorry, no signs). The highway is in excellent condition from Managua to Leon, and you'll get to Leon a lot faster with less aggravation.

====== Serenity of Nicaragua p (nica): (505) 462-4314, 474-6241 p (usa): (202) 370-6962 www.serenity21.com

Sorry

Submitted by DanPolley on 24 January, 2008 - 12:08.

for not being clear. I was referring to the road to the fort, not the really nice road from Manangua. Dan Polley

Leon Art Museum

Submitted by bluewater on 23 January, 2008 - 14:51.

The Fundacion Ortiz Gurdian maintains an excellent art museum across the street fom the El Convento Hotel.A great collection of Nicaraguan and Central American art. They also have Rembrandt drawings and antique furniture through out the museum. Well worth the trip to Leon just to see this Museum and the Ruben Dario Museum that is within two blocks. The university students are coming back to classes in late January and the atmosphere is streets are crowed and lively.

Centro de arte Fundación Ortiz Gurdián

Submitted by DanPolley on 23 January, 2008 - 15:22.

Thanks for completing my reference. It really is worth a visit. They don't allow cameras so don't take one unless you are willing to leave it at the entrance. Dan Polley