Granada is the oldest city in Central America and the oldest on the mainland of the Americas. It is historically one of Nicaragua's most important cities. Situated on the northwestern shore of Lake Nicaragua, the city was founded by Francisco Hernandex de Cordoba on December 8, 1524. Granada is known to be one of the most beautiful cities of Latin America for its rich colonial heritage, seen in its architecture and layout. Granada is commonly nicknamed the "Gran Sultana del Gran Lago" - the Great Sultan of the Great Lake.