Tour of the Iglesias of Leon

Although we are not really church goers one can't help but marvel at the workmanship of the churches in Leon. The main Cathedral located in the bustling city center at the Parque Central is an 18th century building that started construction in 1747 and took 100 years to complete - now that was some job stability!  Buried inside is the town's favorite son - Ruben Dario - the famed national poet.

Here's another favorite - Iglesia de El Calvario, also an 18th century building, has a brightly colored facade which displays biblical scenes.  There were many more too - the 18th century Iglesia de la Recoleccia - a yellow baroque facade with carved vines circling stone pillars. The Iglesia de Merced
which was just down the street from our hostal and the Iglesia de San Juan.


In addition to churches, Leon has a fair share of museums as well. We only visited one - the Galeria de Heroes y Martires which is run by the mothers of FSLN veterans and features photos of over 300 men and women from Leon who died in the revolutionary struggle. I'm sure their stories would have been interesting - and sad as well.  War always is.  But, my spanish has not progressed far enough to really have those sorts of indepth conversation.  All in good time I hope