 Granada, the oldest colonial city in Central America, founded by the Spanish conqueror " Don Francisco Hernández de Córdoba" in 1524. It was the most important city in the region, not only for being the oldest but four being the best located in that time.
Granada is located beside Big Lake Nicaragua (Xolotlan), and was the main center of commerce due to the connection of Big Lake Nicaragua with the Caribbean Sea and just 18 kilometers from the Pacific Ocean.
The Spanish conquerors left the proof of their dominion as Granada and León still keep the original colonial houses and public buildings of that time.
A tour in a horse drawn carriage is a must for visitors to Granada; it will take you back in time for more than 500 years.
 One of the biggest fortunes of the United States was made here when a steam boat driver of North America, Cornelius Vanderbilt, established a steam boat company in order to take people from the Caribbean to the Pacific during the "Gold Rush" in America.
William Walker also left his foot prints in this region of Nicaragua when he proclaimed himself president of the Republic and declared that English was the official language of Nicargua and also tried to re-establish slavery in the region.
This city is rich in colonial architecture with old colonial buildings like:
- Old Spanish ammunition fortress
- La Merced and Xalteva churches
- San Francisco Convent (built in 1524)
- Casa de los leones (A portal carved on stones showing two lions head)
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