Granada

Granada is the oldest colonial city in Nicaragua. It is located on the northwest side of the Lago Cocibolca. Its colourful colonial buildings and interesting history make it an important tourist destination while on a Nicaragua vacation. It was named Hernández de Córdoba after the ancient Spanish city of Granada. During the colonial period, Granada maintained a flourishing level of commerce with ports on the Atlantic Ocean.

The city has been a witness and victim to the many battles and invasions from the English, French and Dutch pirates vying to take control of Nicaragua. Granada has long been a centre of commerce which includes timber, gold and silver. Granada's economy continues to grow as it is becoming the national tourism hub. Though Granada remains Nicaragua's fourth largest city, it is widely known for preserving some of the finest colonial-era architecture in the country. A real estate boom had been underway for several years, with many European and Americans purchasing and renovating the area's homes for retirement or holiday homes.

There are six main churches, the Cathedral, La Merced, Guadalupe, Xalteva, San Francisco and María Auxiliadora, all of which have interesting historical backgrounds and are in very different states. Fuerte La Polvora is an 18th-century fort (built in 1748). A few historical exhibits are available on the main level and it is possible to climb the towers for views of the quiet city streets or wander through the attractive courtyard while on Nicaragua tours.