Things to do in Managua

Located alongside the lake that bears its name, Nicaragua’s capital is a large, sprawling city with no real centre to speak of and little in the way of sights or attractions to hold the attention of visitors.

Founded in 1819, Managua became the nation’s capital in 1852, largely as the compromise option between competing factions in Leon to the west and Granada to the south.

Devastated by earthquakes in 1931 & 1972 (the latter is said to have destroyed some 90% of downtown Managua), little of the city’s colonial legacy remains, the one major exception being the haunting shell of the city’s old cathedral.

For the vast majority of visitors to the country, Managua is no more than an entry and exit point, the site of Nicaragua’s only international airport.

As a result, and with so many more compelling sites of interest within easy reach, clients will generally overnight close to the airport on arrival before heading off first thing the following morning.

	Beyond The Ordinary arrange fully bonded, tailor made holidays and tours to Nicaragua. Contact one of our experts on 01580 764796, email travel@beyondtheordinary.co.uk or contact us via our website.

Things To See & Do In Managua

For clients with time to burn, and perhaps a curiosity for the unusual, there is just about enough to make a day of it in Managua.

The Old Cathedral of Managua

Also known as the Catedral de Santiago, building work commenced in 1928 and somehow survived the 1931 earthquake. While the 1972 earthquake left the building structurally unsound, the shell of the building remains largely in place. While it is not possible to enter the cathedral, it is possible to wander around the outside.

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

Opened in 1993, Managua’s new cathedral is a truly odd building, quite like no other church we have ever seen, marrying traditional roof-top cupolas with, perhaps ironically, lots of 1970s style concrete.

Palacio Nacional

One of the few city centre buildings to survive the 1972 earthquake, for over 50 years, the Palacio Nacional housed Nicaragua’s parliament. Today, it is home to the National Museum (as well as the National Library & Archive) with its collection of pre-Columbian ceramics and art.

Parque Loma de Tiscapa

Home to the haunting statue of national hero Augusto Sandino, one time revolutionary and then President of Nicaragua until his execution in 1934, Parque Loma de Tiscapa was once the site of the Presidential Palace. Today, its main attraction are the superb views it offers over the city.