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All Nicaragua León Museum of Traditions and Legends
AO Edited

Museum of Traditions and Legends

Housed in a 20th-century prison, this small museum recounts local Nicaraguan myths.

León, Nicaragua

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Katie
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Outdoor entrance to the museum.   exploringwithkatie / Atlas Obscura User
Drawings depicting what used to happen to prisoners.   exploringwithkatie / Atlas Obscura User
Entry to one of the exhibit halls.   exploringwithkatie / Atlas Obscura User
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View from atop the former prison wall.   exploringwithkatie / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Tucked into León, Nicaragua's meandering streets is this curious gem of a museum, El Museo de Tradiciones y Leyendas (the Museum of Traditions and Legends). Life-size paper mâché displays tell the story of some 14 local myths and legends, including tales of the golden crocodile, the beheaded priest, and the Spanish Colonel.

Between 1921 and 1979, the building that now houses the museum was used as a prison during the Somoza family dictatorship, which lasted 43 years between 1936 and 1979. During their regime, thousands of people were detained as political prisoners, often enduring torture and abuse.

Today, the museum maintains some of the original cells and prison walls from the 20th century. Murals depict the brutal methods prison guards used to torture detainees.

Related Tags

Folklore Legends Mythology Museums And Collections Museums Tradition Prisons

Know Before You Go

The museum is also known as El Museo de Tradiciones y Leyendas and isn't generally crowded. Please see official website for hours and admission.

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Added By

exploringwithkatie

Published

February 6, 2023

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  • https://lalupa.press/the-cruel-torture-of-women-political-prisoners-by-ortega-and-somoza%EF%BF%BC/
  • https://vianica.com/attraction/58/museum-of-legends-and-traditions
  • https://www.vianica.com/sp/activity/58/museo-de-leyendas-y-tradiciones
  • https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g424970-d657324-Reviews-Museum_of_Legends_and_Traditions_Museo_de_Tradiciones_y_Leyendas-Leon_Leon_Departm.html
  • https://www.nicaragua.com/attractions/museums/traditions-and-legends/
Museum of Traditions and Legends
2nd Callejon Sur
León
Nicaragua
12.432027, -86.878838
Visit Website
Get Directions

Nearby Places

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of León

León

Nicaragua

Places 2

Nearby Places

El Fortín de Acosasco

León, Nicaragua

miles away

Boiling Mud Pools of San Jacinto

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miles away

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miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of León

León

Nicaragua

Places 2

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