Granada

Granada, with an estimated population of about 116,000 (2005), it is Nicaragua’s fourth most populous city. It is the second oldest city founded by Europeans in Central America and third on the American Continent (after Cumaná in Venezuela, founded in 1515 and Panama La Vieja founded in 1519). It is historically one of Nicaragua’s most important cities. It is situated on the northwestern shore of Lake Cocibolca and was founded by Francisco Hernandez de Cordoba on December 8, 1524. It has a rich colonial heritage, seen in its architecture and layout. Granada is commonly nicknamed the “Gran Sultana del Gran Lago” – the Great Sultan of the Great Lake.