Leon Viejo is one of the oldest Spanish settlements in the Americas. It did not develop into a large, thriving metropolis as the Spanish had hoped. But its ruins are an outstanding testimony to the social and economic structures of the Spanish Empire in the 16th century. Moreover, the site has immense archaeological potential.

The 79 acres of ruins are located near the town of Puerto Momotombo, opposite the volcano of the same name, at the western end of Lake Managua. The volcano and ruins are located 42 miles from the capital of Managua, Nicaragua.

The ruins were discovered in 1967. Scientist discovered the city was laid out in a grid system, similar to other cities in the Americas. Thus far 17 structures have been found, including a cathedral, a convent and a foundry.

Founded in 1524 by Francisco Hernández de Córdoba the city has undergone a series of natural disasters. It was Partially destroyed by the Momotombo volcano that erupted in 1578. The final blow was the earthquake of 1610. The shaker did not completely destroy the city, but enough damage was done that the residents held a referendum and voted to move the city about 20 miles west.

The gradual burial of the city due to natural disasters helped to preserve the vestiges of the city. They were in the same environment and the layout of the city itself was unaltered.

The fact that the ruins were still in its natural state was one of the main reasons they were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org