I've been here twice, once with a guide once without. If you are interested in folklore and mythology it is worth the visit. Several of the myths/legends start to sound very similar by the end. You can go up on the outer wall for great view of the city at the end of the tour.
4 - 8 of 243 reviews
Its a Ok museum. The legends are kinda repeating. We were not dissapointed since it was quite cheap for the entry (50 cord). And its cool to just be in the former prison
The museum which is housed in La XXl a former garrison used infamously as a prison and interrogation centre during the conflict has two very diverse themes. There are life sized paper mache figures depicting famous people in Nicaraguan history and legends, in the same display area there are murals depicting gruesome torture techniques used in the buildings during the war. The museum was created by one individual, Senora Toruna who has her own room and a figure dedicated to her.
It is difficult to know what to make of the figures. I am assuming Senora had a wicked sense of humour because the figurines with their bad wigs and ill fitting clothes have a comical appearance but the commentary which is in both Spanish and English provides good background information on both famous figures and the legends of Leon.
The murals of torture are there I guess so people do not forget the horrors of war and the atrocities which took place in the buildings. Just outside the garrison the ruins of San Sebastian church have also been preserved. The church was virtually destroyed by bombs in 1979.
As part of a walking tour of Leon it is worth a quick visit. An English speaking guide isn't necessary because the explanations in English are very clear.
Located in an old prison from pre revolution. We received a nice guided tour by a very knowledgeable gentleman. There are line paintings on all the walls that describe the horrors of torture in the prison.Its hard to imagine 400 men imprisoned in such a place. Inside the rooms are crude charactures representing Nicaraguan folk lore,legends and traditions. We were not sure if we should laugh .We enjoyed the experience very much. You can even walk around the perimeterup on the top of the wall.
This museum is really cool. The paper mache sculptures are eccentric and fun to look at and the stories in the museum are so interesting. I also liked that there's a whole room in the museum devoted to the creator of the museum and why the culture and history of Nicaragua mattered so much to her. Highly recommend going here if you like offbeat activities and have a free afternoon in Leon!
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