Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Candelaria

Masaya & Los Pueblos Blancos


This canary-yellow church – the perfect centerpiece for this witchy town – has rather Gothic stone walls and an extra-interesting collection of saints. It marks the spot where Cacique Diriangén, chief of the Dirian peoples at the time of the Spanish conquest, first met conquistador Gil González Dávila on April 17, 1523. Unlike Nicarao, Diriangén didn’t trust the newcomers and opted to ignore their three-day deadline to become a Christian. Diriangén attacked, which in retrospect was the best course of action.

Today, both Diriá and Diriomo – as well as Diriamba in Carazo – are named for the indomitable cacique (chief).


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Masaya & Los Pueblos Blancos attractions

1. Mirador el Boquete

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2. Mirador

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3. Nicaragua Libre

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4. Biblioteca Augusto C Sandino

3.64 MILES

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5. Cementerio de Granada

6.76 MILES

Used between 1876 and 1922, this beautiful cemetery on Granada's outskirts has lots of picturesque mausoleums and tombs, including those of six Nicaraguan…

6. Fortaleza La Polvora

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Originally called the Fortaleza de Armas when it was constructed in 1748, this lavishly turreted Spanish fortress still has the best views in town, over…

7. Iglesia María Magdalena

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Iglesia María Magdalena, sort of the sister church to San Sebastián, is where many of Monimbó's most important festivals begin or end.

8. La Capilla María Auxiliadora

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This gorgeous 1918 Gothic church with white-and-blue trim is worth a look for its interior – arguably the most beautiful of all of Granada's churches –…