Founded in 1960 as a Jesuit school, this is one of Nicaragua’s premier universities, with a curriculum heavy on science and alternative technologies, Che Guevara sculptures, and vegetarian eateries out front. It's worth a wander – in particular the Centro Historia Militar (free admission), with relics from Sandino to the Sandinistas.
UCA
Managua
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
12.22 MILES
Described by the Spaniards as the gates of hell, the craters that comprise Volcán Masaya National Park are the most easily accessible active volcanoes in…
Reserva Natural Volcán Mombacho
29.43 MILES
It’s been a few decades since this 1345m volcano, the defining feature of the Granada skyline, has acted up, but it is still most certainly active and…
Convento y Museo San Francisco
25.33 MILES
One of the oldest churches in Central America, Convento San Francisco boasts a robin's egg–blue birthday-cake facade and houses both an important convent…
Museo Arqueológico Huellas de Acahualinca
2.84 MILES
Discovered by miners in 1874, these fossilized tracks record the passage of perhaps 10 people – men, women and children – as well as birds, raccoons, deer…
2.06 MILES
The hollow shell of Managua’s Old Cathedral remains Managua’s most poignant metaphor, shattered by the 1972 earthquake – and slowly undergoing restoration…
25.17 MILES
Granada's new chocolate museum is excellent if you're traveling with children: the 'beans to bar' chocolate workshop, where participants learn to roast…
25.17 MILES
Perhaps the most beautiful church in the city, this landmark was built in 1534. Most come here for the spectacular views from the bell tower – especially…
Reserva Natural Volcán Momotombo
27.27 MILES
The perfect cone of Volcán Momotombo, destroyer of León Viejo and inspiration for its own Rubén Darío poem, rises red and black 1280m above Lago de…
Nearby Managua attractions
1. Galería Casa Los Tres Mundos
0.39 MILES
This gallery is the workshop of former Catholic priest, politician, poet, artist and sculptor Ernesto Cardenal, who founded the primitivist art community…
0.46 MILES
A former casino (now closed) and current landmark that locals use to give directions in the area.
0.52 MILES
Just north of the Metrocentro mall is an unforgettable Managua landmark that's practically new (the doors opened in 1993). It's an architectural marvel…
0.66 MILES
This not-particularly Japanese park, nestled in the back blocks of the Metrocentro area, is a great place for a bit of time out. There are plenty of trees…
0.97 MILES
The best place to catch really cutting-edge contemporary art in Managua.
7. Parque Histórico Nacional Loma de Tiscapa
1.05 MILES
Home to what’s easily Managua’s most recognizable landmark, Sandino’s somber silhouette, this national historic park was once the site of the Casa…
1.07 MILES
The Managua branch of Nicaragua’s oldest university (the original is in León, the former capital) was founded in 1958 and has more than 24,000 students.