Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
modeled it in 1912. A few well-preserved railroad cars are on display. Out front is the
Parque de los Poetas
, dedicated to Nicaragua's literary giants.
STATUARIES OF NICARAGUA
Of all the archaeological sites currently under investigation (and the scores more waiting for
funding to be adequately explored), four statuary sites stand out. The figurative pieces found here
range from 1m to 4m tall and are probably between 1200 and 1400 years old. The best guess for
construction methods is that they were carved using obsidian tools, sanded smooth, then possibly
painted. While there are stylistic overlaps, work at each site displays its own distinguishing char-
acteristics.
Isla de Ometepe
The squat, realistic figures here are thought to represent chiefs and other dignitaries. Only a few
examples are on display, beside the church in Altagracia. It's thought that there are many more,
buried over the years beneath the ashes of Volcán Concepción's eruptions.
Isla Zapatera Statuary
While the best examples from this site are on display at Granada's Convento y Museo San Fran-
cisco, there are various remaining pieces on the island - mostly at Pensacola, Zonzapote, Punta
de las Figuras and Las Cañas. These figures show advanced workmanship and feature human-an-
imal hybrids, probably referring to myths that humankind emerged from beneath the earth.
León Statuary
Including the Isla de Momotombito, this is the least known of the four. In 1854 there were a re-
ported 50 statues in this collection - today, sadly, most of them have mysteriously disappeared.
Granada Cemetery
OFFLINE MAP
(Nandame s/n)
Used between 1876 and 1922, this beautiful cemetery has lots of picturesque
mausoleums and tombs, including those of six Nicaraguan presidents. Most people come
to see the 1880 neoclassical stone
Capilla de Animas
(Chapel of Spirits), a scale model of
the French chapel of the same name. Close by is another scale model, this time of Notre
Dame cathedral.
CEMETERY
Centro Turístico
OFFLINE MAP
BEACH
