The 1751 Iglesia Molagüina, in the center of town, is the plainest of Matagalpa's churches, but has nice gardens.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

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1. Museo Nacional de Café

0.18 MILES

This absorbing museum features large, glossy, printed displays in Spanish and English on the roots of modern coffee production in the region, as well as…

2. Iglesia San José

0.21 MILES

Originally constructed in 1751 and used as a jail for indigenous rebels in the late 1800s, this church was rebuilt in 1917 by Franciscan friars. The…

3. Casa Museo Comandante Carlos Fonseca

0.25 MILES

Commander Carlos Fonseca, the Sandinista equivalent of Malcolm X (read: bespectacled, goateed, intense, highly charismatic), grew up desperately poor in…

4. Iglesia Catedral San Pedro

0.31 MILES

Built in 1874, Matagalpa's glorious, whitewashed neoclassical cathedral is flooded with light. Inside the sanctuary are a natural wood altar, gorgeous…

5. Foreigners Cemetery

1.03 MILES

Graveyard fans should check out both the Foreigners Cemetery (and nearby National Cemetery) on the eastern edge of town, where you'll find great views and…

6. Selva Negra

5.16 MILES

If you’re looking for comfort with your virgin cloud forest experience, then Selva Negra – part family resort, part coffee farm and part rainforest…

7. Cascada Blanca

7.55 MILES

Surrounded by forest, this impressive 15m waterfall a short walk from the highway fills a large deep swimming hole. When it's quiet it's absolutely lovely…

8. Santuario Salto Apa Mico

11.11 MILES

This petroglyph site alongside a stream just outside town features a swirl of moons, snakes and dancers 3m long and 2m high carved into rocks. The site is…