San Jorge has two wonderful temples, the La Merced Church and San Jorge Parish Church, which are part of the oldest colonial buildings in Nicaragua.
La Merced Church: This temple with more than 485 years is the oldest church in Nicaragua, because according to studies, it is estimated that it was built in 1528. It is one of the most important architectural assets of the municipality and is a symbol of identity of the Jorginians.
This temple is valuable for its originality and uniqueness, since it is a representation of Nicaraguan popular architecture from the colonial era. It has characteristics of a hacienda house and its facade is unique in this type of religious architecture, built of wood, tiles and wooden pillars in a single piece.
Old Bells of La Merced Church
During the National War of 1856 it was occupied by William Walker, it is said that the old bells were used by filibusters to make cannon balls. Due to its historical, cultural and architectural importance, it was declared a National Cultural Heritage Site, by decree of Act in 2005.
La Merced Church is a mandatory stop for urban tourism in the municipality, as it is one of the oldest architectural relics in the American continent and because it is the first Catholic temple in the indigenous town of San Jorge.
While you walk inside, observe the sacred art and the type of construction of the temple and do not forget to take as a souvenir beautiful photographs of the church.
La San Jorge Parish Church It is a magnificent temple, the main one of San Jorge, it was built between 1600 and 1668, it was used as a Franciscan convent. Baroque in style, whose physical plant is a Latin cross, influenced by the Romanesque style, it still preserves a beautiful Baroque altarpiece from 1749, as well as decorative elements with Rococo style attributes. It is made up of three naves on wooden posts, a mud brick façade and a large atrium.
It also contains other altarpieces from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, highlighting the altarpiece of San Pablo, built in 1670; Another element that stands out in this temple are the paintings made in 1537, under the direction of Juan González de Apaolaza.
In the temple you can take tours observing its structure and sacred art. It is located in the urban center of the city.
Parish Church of San Jorge
Casa de Barro, property of great heritage value: It is the oldest house in the city, with more than 200 years, located in the extreme northeast of the municipality, in the San Gregorio neighborhood. Built in 1810 with a vernacular architectural style façade from the XNUMXth century, it is a colonial architectural jewel of the municipality. One of its attractions in the house is its chamfered corner, a characteristic element of Nicaraguan Baroque architecture. It preserves the furniture of the time: beds, trunks, chest, water jars, sleeping scissors, kitchen and work utensils and old English locks.
Inside the house it conserves its spaces: a hallway, a living room, a kitchen, a dining room, three bedrooms, a corridor and a patio. It is a historical landmark of the city. The property is owned by Mrs. Ana María Solórzano.
Urban tourism
Central Park: recently remodeled with modern infrastructure, colorful playgrounds, two gazebos, platforms, green areas, benches to rest, sports areas, and free internet service via wi-fi.
It is the point of concentration of the population, so it is common to see children running, adults sitting on a bench talking and vendors offering their traditional products.
Port of San Jorge: It is the main waterway of communication to Ometepe Island.
In 2015 it was remodeled with modern buildings, it has a beautiful and colorful boardwalk, restaurants, green areas, playgrounds, parking for more than a hundred vehicles, sports fields, a warehouse for storage of merchandise, places for the sale of handicrafts and a tourist information center.
It has become a meeting point for many families from the Riviera and for visitors who are passionate about contemplating nature. From this port there is an excellent view from the Concepción and Maderas volcanoes, you can enjoy the waves of the majestic Lake Cocibolca and experience the atmosphere of a Buenos Aires city.
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