Granada: La Gran Sultana

We said goodbye to Ometepe and we went to Granada next. 

I heard and read good things about its rich colonial heritage. It's among the oldest Nicaraguan cities. Granada is also known as the Gran Sultana, a reference to its opulent style.  

Granada's historic structure and architecture is very well preserved. And its full of bright colors. 

Granada's cathedral 

San Francisco Convent

We didn't have a hotel reservation and it was hard to find a room available. After many tries we ended up in the Tripadvisor's #1, Hotel Con Corazon. Luckily they had a last minute cancellation and they were able to accommodate us but just for one night. 

I found out later that this is not an ordinary hotel with an extraordinary and consistent good rate. It's run by a Dutch foundation that invests the profits in educational programs in the local community. Namely they provide scholarships and tutors. And they also encourage their staff to go back to school by increasing their salaries. 

The hotel key holders are made by disable people with reusable materials.  

It's a great place to stay, the staff is very welcoming and they serve a delicious breakfast.  

Hotel Con Corazon

The main activity in Granada is walking in the narrow streets to enjoy the architecture and the vibe. And visit as many churches as you can. The structure is the most interesting thing about it, usually the interiors are modern reconstructions and they are ugly.

The Casa de Los Tres Mundos is a foundation that supports and promotes cultural projects. There you may enjoy the architecture while you see the work of local artists. 

Narrow streets and colonial construction

La Merced church

Granada was recently featured in NYT for its gastronomy. We had great a great local food experience there, check my post about it here.

Lonely Planet also recommends to try some street food in one of the kiosks in the central park. The food quality was so-so. Make sure that you go way before sunset. After that, hundreds of birds go crazy. I felt like I was in one of those Angry birds video-games avoiding the birds poop. 

Angry birds (turn sound on)

Staying in Granada is also convenient if you are planning to explore the villages around.
I highly recommend San Juan de Oriente for pottery and ceramics. This market is more authentic and cheaper than the one in Masaya. Here you find more locals than tourists shopping.
In Masatepe you can try the local delicacy mondongo's soup (more info about it here).

Pottery in San Juan de Oriente