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León has a beautiful theater and concert hall that was inaugurated in 1885, making it the oldest in Nicaragua. In 1904 it was named after José de la Cruz Mena, Nicaragua's most famous composer, who was a native of León until 1907 when he died from leprosy at the age of 33. Outside the building there are statues of Thalia and Melpómene, the Greek muses of comedy and tragedy. The theater only has a few cultural events every month, so take the chance when there is one.
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Small church with a simple exterior. Has a beautiful altar piece, depicting Saint John of God, the Assumption of Mary and Saint Raphael the Archangel.
Museo de la Revolucion
The museum consists of a room with some displays and artifacts, none of which offer any explanations in English. The most unique aspect of this museum are the old guides, who provide an animated commentary on the beatings, arrests, street fights and assassinations of the revolutionary period, much of which are based on their own experiences. They will be sure to point out a picture of their younger self, rifle and all.
Parque de los Poetas
A park honoring five poets of the Spanish language, all with connections to León: Rubén Darío, Alfonso Cortes, Salomón de la Selva, Azarías Pallais and Antenor Sandino Hernández. At night you can grab a piece to eat at one of the food stands.
The playground for children closest to the city center.
Centro de Arte Fundación Ortiz Gurdián
The finest art museum in Central America, located in several inter-connected colonial houses. Excellent collection of 20th-century Nicaraguan and Latin American art, but there is also indigenous, colonial and contemporary Latin American art. The museum also has European art, including work by Picasso, Chagall and Miró. Even if you hate art, make a visit to enjoy the museums beautiful colonial architecture.
Santuario Diocesano San Francisco de Asís
Built in 1639, this is one of the oldest churches in Leon, located adjacent to the former Franciscan convent. The church closed in 1830 when the Franciscan friars were expelled, but it was reconstructed in the 1960s. It has a nice bell tower and some beautiful altarpieces. Note the small colorful woodcarvings depicting the fourteen stations of the cross. Outside the church there is a statue of Saint Francis talking to a wolf.