Nicaragua: Leon – Leon Cathedral

The main attraction in Leon is without a doubt it’s super grand Leon Cathedral, itself a UNESCO World Heritage site. This is the largest cathedral building in Central America, it was built between 1747 and 1814 in a mishmash of styles – baroque, gothic, neoclassical, and mudejar. It’s most famous part is the rooftop where you can walk among snow-white pillars, domes, and towers (you have to take of your shoes). The views from the rooftop are truly spectacular – you can see half a dozen volcanoes in the distance and the entire coronial city of Leon and many other churches in a complete 360 panorama. The massive rectangular building has super thick walls and withstood multiple earthquakes and volcano eruptions. The interior of the cathedral is equally impressive, somewhat dimly lit and austere.