Managua is the capital of Nicaragua and has an estimated population of one million. It was originally a small indigenous city.
After celebrating the country's independence from the Spanish Crown in 1821, Managua was elevated to a city in 1846, and became the capital of the Republic of Nicaragua in 1852.
The name Managua comes from Nahuatl «managuac», and it means «Surrounded by Ponds»; is popularly known as «The Bride of Xolotlán».
Like the rest of Nicaragua, it has a long-standing folkloric legacy and traditions; the customs and idiosyncrasies of its inhabitants identify the people of the capital as happy, supportive, hard-working and, above all, optimistic, who have managed to overcome adversity and continue to join forces to overcome it. As in the towns of the rest of the country, its dishes are also famous.
On the shores of Lake Xolotlán, Managua offers very interesting sites:
The Plaza de la Revolución, a historic site of celebration of the people's triumph over the Somoza dictatorship. Surrounding it are the modern Presidential House to the north and the Palace of Culture to the south. The latter houses the National Museum, as well as valuable murals. On the eastern side is the Santiago Cathedral, half destroyed by the 1972 earthquake, but its architectural beauty can still be appreciated inside.
Just a few steps away, you will find the beautiful carved marble fountain in honor of the Nicaraguan poet Rubén Darío. Just to the north and a few meters from the lake, you will find the Rubén Darío National Theater, where an intense artistic and cultural activity takes place. Through the huge stained glass windows of the hall, you can appreciate the beauty and immensity of the lake and the Momotombo and Momotombito volcanoes. To the west are the statue in honor of the "Liberator" Simón Bolívar and the Parque de La Paz, with its enormous obelisk.
A visit to the Loma de Tiscapa is interesting, from where you can enjoy a fabulous view of the city and the lake, especially at sunset. To the west are the famous Acahualinca Footprints, evidence of the flight of thousands of animals and the first human inhabitants more than 10.000 years ago, due to the explosion of a volcano in the area.
To the north of Tiscapa Lagoon, along Avenida Rubén Darío, you will find most of Managua's modern buildings, including the new Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, the "Rubén Darío" Fountain splendidly illuminated at night, large shopping malls, hotels and business centers.
Due to the quality of its painters, it is almost a must to visit the art galleries, and the Central Market or "Roberto Huembes", where there is a great selection of national crafts.
In February the “Festival of Music and Youth” is celebrated, in August the “Fiestas Agostinas”, and in December the “La Purísima” festival.
Sites of Interest
Historical: The center of old Managua, with the ruins of the Cathedral, the Culture palace and the Rubén Darío National Theater; the Malecón; the new Cathedral. The Traces of Acahualinca, the historic estate of San Jacinto.
Scenic: Lake Managua with the Momotombo volcano; the Chiltepe peninsula and the lagoons of Apoyeque, Asososca, Nejapa and Tiscapa; the valleys of Nejapa and Ticomo, the panoramic view of Las Nubes, in El Crucero, and the wide beaches of Montelimar, Masachapa and Pochomil.
The Chiltepe Peninsula Nature Reserve and the “El Chocoyero” canyon, in the vicinity of Ticuantepe
