Ciudad Dario in Nicaragua, Travel Destinations
In the department of Matagalpa, Nicaragua, you will find a fascinating city steeped in history and culture. Renowned as the birthplace of exceptional Nicaraguan poet Rubén Darío, Ciudad Darío has much to offer tourists. Originally known as Metapa and Chocoyos even before that, Ciudad Darío is easily accessed along the renowned Pan-American Highway.
Ciudad Darío is just 90 km from Managua at an elevation of 433 meters. It is home to some 10,000 individuals who are proud to call the small city home. Stunning rocky terrain provides a lovely backdrop for the Nicaraguan city. Fascinating rock paintings created by locals bring color to the scene. Visitors will certainly enjoy exploring this area and there are many trails leading away from the town itself. There are also other natural wonders in the municipality of Ciudad Darío. Not to be missed are the Tecomapa, Moyúa and Playitas Lagoons, which are ideal for fishing.
It is said that the original settlement that is Ciudad Darío today was called Chocoyos. It received this name due to the fact that the residents built their houses using green branches, catching the eye of many people who traveled past the settlement. Bishop Fray Agustin Morel of Santa Cruz arrived at the town in 1752 and it was renamed Metapa. On 18 January 1867 Félix Rubén García Sarmiento was born to Rosa Sarmiento in Metapa. Better known to us as Rubén Darío, this child went on to become a world renowned poet and literary genius. Four years after Rubén Darío died, the city was named for this famed icon. On 25 February 1920 Matapa became Ciudad Darío.
In 1943 the house in which Darío was born was declared a national museum and an important historical site. Located near the center of the city, the building retains its original look. Restoration of the house took place in 1999. It is a very popular tourist attraction in the city – probably the greatest. Visitors are given a fantastic look into life during the 19th century at the museum. Located at the Rubèn Darìo Museum is an amphitheater where locals gather to commemorate the legacy of Rubén Darío. Annually they will gather on the date of his birthday for poetry readings, dance performances and other cultural activities.
Also of interest in Ciudad Darío is a center for handicapped children. These talented young people create lovely wooden works of art that can be purchased as souvenirs. Certainly, a visit to Ciudad Darío is well worth it.
