The original city of Leon (Leon Viejo) was founded by Francisco Hernandez of Cordoba, on June 19th 1524 close to the Imabite community on the border of Xolotlán Lake. Constituting the capital of the province of Nicaragua, the city remained at this site for only 86 years, due to the close proximity of Volcano Momotombo which made the site devastatingly unstable due to continual eruptions and earthquakes. For this reason, Leon city was moved to its present location.

The ruins of Leon Viejo can be visited and on December 2, 2000 the site was declared a Human Heritage Site. 

On January 17, 1610 the citizens of the half destroyed city of Leon moved the city to a more stable location.  After walking nine miles they arrived at their chosen location on the border of the indigenous community of Subtiava.  A flag was driven into the ground in the exact location where the Cathedral now stands and in this way the new city of Leon was founded.

The city entered a new phase of life as capital of the Province and the Seat of the Catholic religion.  Leon was destined to be the intellectual centre of Nicaragua.

Leon is a city characterized by its Christian religious traditions such as El Pase de los Reyes Magos, which takes place on ¨Calle Real Rubén Dario.¨

The department of Leon possesses a variety and abundance of flora and fauna that every visitor will undoubtedly enjoy.

The Centre of Environmental Initiatives of the city, is located in the centre of the city, here you can participate in diverse activities such as hiking along marked nature trails, observing flora and fauna, experiencing various micro-climates, or gaining new environmental knowledge about the surrounding ecosystem.

In order to fully enjoy the natural beauty Leon has to offer, you can visit one of the various beautiful fincas, those that stand out include: Finca Ecologica San Carlos, eleven kilometres along the highway to Managua and Finca ¨La California¨ located in La Paz Centro just outside of Leon, where you can also enjoy the natural hotsprings.  In addition, Leon possesses a beautiful volcanic lake, which is named both ¨Laguna de Asossosca¨ or ¨El Tigre.¨ The lake is easily accessible by vehicle and can also be reached on horseback.

Leon is also surrounded by a chain of volcanoes, which can be seen from the roof of the Cathedral, forming part of the natural beauty this city has to offer. 

Well known and visited Nature Reserves can also be accessed, characterized by their abundant biodiversity, such as Isla Juan Venado and Complejos Volcanicos Telica - Rota, Pilas - El Hoyo and Momotombo.

The department of Leon offers beautiful beaches with natural attractions such as: El Transito, El Velero, Miramar, Salinas Grande and Puerto Sandino, all of which are distinguished by their natural beauty.