LA PLAZUELA DE LOS LEONES

The pedestrian space guarded by the cannon off the northeast corner of the main plaza is where Henry Morgan set 18 cannons during his sacking of the city, and where, a century later, William Walker was sworn in as President of Nicaragua. On the plazuela’s eastern side, you’ll find the well-known Casa de los Leones whose interior has been transformed into an international cultural center (tel. 505/552-4176 or 505/552-6437, c3mundos@tmx.com.ni, www.tmx.com.ni/c3mundos, open 7 a.m.–6 p.m. daily). Don Diego de Montiel, governor of Costa Rica, built the Casa de los Leones in 1720. William Walker did not miss the opportunity to burn this place as well and left nothing standing but the portal bearing the Montiel family crest (still visible). The unique, neoclassical colonnade facade was the result of the building’s reconstruction. In 1987, the historical monument became the headquarters of the Casa de los Tres Mundos Foundation, whose lofty mission is “to foster an understanding of universal and human values among people of all religions and political persuasions, as well as providing new economic opportunities for the Nicaraguan People.” As such, the Casa houses an art and music school, museum, historical archive, library, concert hall, literary café, bookstore, and exhibition space, and regularly hosts resident artists from around the world. Visiting artists exhibit their work, teach classes, and donate a piece of art created during their stay.