The capital of Nicaragua since 1857, the bustling Latin American city of Managua is spread across the shore of lake Managua. Devastated by a series of natural disasters, earthquakes and fires (in a 1972 earthquake, 80% of its buildings were destroyed), Managua continues to redefine itself as a modern capital.
The central area called Area Monumental with the old cathedral and Palacio Nacional de la Cultura is worth a visit for an historical perspective, but the “new” Managua of offices and shopping malls are more scattered on the outskirts. Visit the old Historical center of Managua, destroyed by the earthquake of 1972 in which few buildings still remain. Not only is it the center of the old Managua but also the heart of the political dictatorship of the Somoza family governing the country for over 40 years and being overthrown by the Sandinista revolution.
We will be able to talk alot of who Somoza was, where the presidential palace was before and after the earthquake. Visit several buildings that survived the earthquake like; the Ruben Dario National theater, the Old Cathedral, the National Palace of Culture, the Central Park, Park of Peace and Tiscapa Hill Historical Park which offers and incredible view.
We will also visit the New Metropolitan Cathedral in which most of the political leaders of the country today attend mass.
If you wish, you may go to the Galleria Santo Domingo Mall to do some shopping and get ready for your adventures in Nicaragua.
