Description
It was on January 18, 1867 that the pregnant Rosa Sarmiento stayed with her sister in the small village of Metapa, where she gave birth to somebody who would later be the most famous poet of Nicaragua: Rubén Darío. Although it was just coincidence that this birth took place here and although the poet actually grew up in León, his birth nevertheless left a big impression on the people from the small village. Four years after the death of the poet, they renamed it to Ciudad Darío, and in 1943 the government declared the house where he was born a historical site and national museum.
In 1999 the house was repaired and prepared to function as a real museum. Nowadays a visit to Rubén Darío's natal house is a great way to get to know more about this very famous and still beloved poet.
The original style of the house has been preserved, and the original adobe walls are still standing. The house has been decorated with objects from the 19th century, in order to give visitors an impression of life during these days. In different rooms there are photos, paintings, and objects from Rubén Darío's family together with information that tell about his life.
There is also a small amphitheater that was built 100 years after his death. Here, people from Ciudad Darío commemorate the poet every year on his birthday by performing cultural acts like reading poems, performing dances, etcetera. Finally, books with poems of Rubén Darío are also for sale.
The entrance fee is C$20 for national tourists and US$4 for foreigners. College and highschool students pay C$10 and middle school students pay C$5. This price already includes a knowledgeable guide who will be eager to explain everything about the poet's house.
Getting There
The house is located in front of Enitel.
Comments
Miguel Gonzalez wrote on Mar 23, 2010:
Desearia tener mas fotos de Dario como personaje y de otros sitios historicos para mejor atractivo de la pagina
Angela Villegas wrote on Oct 8, 2009:
cuidad dario is one of the beauty of nicaragua i grew up in granada then in california but after 39 yrs. i came back for vacation for a couple of days and i love it there i wish i could come soon.
Angela villegas
P.S. say hi to noel vargas y familia.
jackelyn wrote on Aug 9, 2009:
Matagalpa is one the beauty of Nicaragua, i grew up there and i recommend you to come by and stop by for a couple of days when you are visting. I wish I can come by soon. That's my dream and I hope my dream comes true very soon.
Sincerely,
Jackelyn Arroliga
Diana Velasquez wrote on Nov 28, 2008:
Hola me gusta mucho Nicaragua tiene : atracciones , turismo y muchas cosas mas .
Eddy Kuhl wrote on Nov 29, 2007:
Metapa was founded in 1627 by misioner friar Garcia de Loaysa. It was "redcuction" of matagalpa Indians brought from mountains of Toabaca on the vicinity of the "frontier of the jungle", between the Sumo Indians and the Matagalpa Indians in the East.
In 1685 died in Metapa the Bishop of Nicaragua and Costa Rica Juan de Roxas, who was escaping from the atjack to the city of Leon by the French pirate Dampier. The Bishop died of exhaustion in Metapa after having walked, under pressure, the distance of 30 "leguas" from Leon.
Eddy Kuhl wrote on Jan 7, 2007:
Metapa is a very old town in the highlands of Matagalpa, Nicaragua. Originally was inhabitated by Matagalpa Indians. Their main settement was probably in the vicinity of Moyoa lagoon.
The Spanish found this Indian town in its current site by the year 1530 when they were looking the passage to the North Sea.
In prehistorical times this area was probably part of an ancient lake, from where the Ucumulali River (Rio Grande) used to flow its waters to the Pacific Ocean (long before the formation of Managua lake), but according to some Geologysts, cataclistic earth movement rose huge mountains on its way (Totumbla mountains) and made the river deviate its course toward the Caribbean sea, as it is now.
During the Spanish colony times Metapa was a important resting place for missioners and the troops on their way to the interior of the country.
In 1703 was visited by Fray Margil de Jesus. In 1752 by Fray Morel de Santa Cruz. Later by Fray Ramon Rojas, etc.
In 1856 was the base for the "Ejercito del Septentrion" (Northern Army) who fought against the occupation of filibusteer William Walker.
In 1857 was included to be part of the new Matagalpa Province by the government of General Tomas Martinez
In 1867 was the birthplace of a boy named Felix Ruben Garcia, later known as Ruben Dario, one of the greatest poets of Spanish language literature.
In 1883 died there Jorge Choiseul Praslin, whom many peole thought could be the famous French Duke Theobald de Choiseul Praslin.
In 1920 Metapa changed name to Ciudad Dario by a decree of the Goverment of Emiliano Chamorro
Metrapa or Ciudad Dario is located 85 kilometers from Managua, at the side of the paved road to the city of Matagalpa