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+1
From walking around the Cathedral on all 4 sides covering its entire perimeter of "quite a bit of length" to looking up inside at the great arches overhead built on a "pretty grand scale", this great cathedral I would say is one that quite lives up to its reputation of being the largest of all in Central America (which whether a solid fact or just a prevailing opinion is something I can quite agree on based on my personal experience with the "main cathedrals" from Panama to Costa Rica to Nicaragua to Honduras, although maybe also a reputation not just for itself but to share with "2 others" namely those of Guatemala City & Mexico City). And as for the visit, it was not in the Cathedral itself (yes a spacious one with a great interior architecture of the big arches & such as mentioned, but just "pretty scanty" when it comes to shrines & altars apart from the main one) but on the "2 levels" of its roof where I actually had the more enjoyable time with these round-shaped cupolas which are built above domes (quite a beautiful sight to see them "in a row" for some nice photo-ops!) & some great views stretching far across the town to some distant mountains (including "2 peaks" kind of identical to one another and both likely volcanoes). Also, a nice hangout before or after the Cathedral is the plaza right outside (with also souvenir vendors in a far corner of the Plaza & a cafe along its one side). If arriving from Managua by a "collectivo minivan" (from the roadside UCA station or such for about a 2-hour ride), it's about a 20-minute walk heading south from the outdoor bus terminal to this cathedral (but a foot-pedaled tuk-tuk likely a better option with the way not quite straightforward) and where also be sure to make a stop just shortly before arriving here at Iglesia de la Recoleccion (with its facade "can't be missed" for its sheer beauty!) which is followed by a market kind of occupying an entire block (and with both indoor & outdoor vendors selling all miscellaneous & food) all the way to the back side of this cathedral.…
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Date of experience: January 2020
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+1
75 min wonderful panoramic drive from Corinto port to Leon. Time pass fast as we were enjoying the views and the information given by our guide . The bus stoped right in the back of La Asuncion Cathedral. The area was very crowded with local people and mini buses but we were feeling very safe, people were very polite and doing their own business, and their were some policemen and women ensuring the safety of the tourists. The La Asuncion Cathedral was the most significant building in Leon, located at the central plaza. This is a must visit in Leon, full with history and stories and thats why I recommend the guided tour. Our guide was very knowledgeable and we enjoyed the tour. Very nice church, rich with painting and wonderful pieces of art. The “sad lion covering Rubén Darío’s grave” and the “ black Christ” was my favorites. You can climb to the rooftop where you will have nice view of Leon and you can see the volcanos too. In the central plaza you can enjoy some local fresh fruits, ice cream and some local performance, restrooms available in the plaza. …
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Date of experience: December 2019
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+1
This was a little bit of a waste of time to go in and to the top....you can not get nice pictures like they show all over online unless you are a photographer. It cost a few dollars each person to go in,...the setup to do that is somewhat strange....and it’s just super hot and especially at the top....we took a few pics and went back down....it’s cool to see but like I said. Kinda a waste of time to go in…
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Date of experience: November 2019
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+1
This cathedral is truly beautiful. We visited the inside and outside. We already knew it was going to be really hot but didn’t have a lot of time in Leon so we went around noon. Not a good idea. We didn’t get to stay very long but we really enjoyed the views. Definitely a must if you are in Leon.…
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Date of experience: March 2020
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+1
Granada cathedral might be the most famous in Nicaragua, but Leon's principal cathedral is not to be missed. Older photos show a plain sandstone exterior, but now the entire structure is whitewashed and fairly glows in the sun. Its the largest church in Nicaragua and has a distinct somewhat squat appearance. The interior is interesting with statues of Archangel Michael slaying a very human looking Satan and another holding a red fish. There is also the tomb of Nicaraguan national poet Ruben Dario. We visited on Ruben Dario day just after a bunch of Sandanista bigwigs laid wreaths at his tomb. However, the real attraction is the cathedral roof which you ascend from a separate entrance on the side. As cathedral climbs go it's pretty tame, but once on the roof you not only get great views of the city and the volcanoes, but the contrast of the white roof and the blue sky might make you think you are in Greece. There are also two 'giants' holding up the liberty bell of Nicaragua. If you want some great photos of architecture this is the place to do it. A definite must visit if you are in Leon.…
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Date of experience: February 2020
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