Granada, Nicaragua — Central America
La Gran Francia
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, May 4, 2019
1. La Gran Francia Marker
La primera construcción de lo sería “La Gran Francia” se remonta a los primeros años de la existencia de la ciudad de Granada, hacia el año de 1524. Esta edificación, mucho más modesta que la existente, era una vivienda colonial de un piso.
A pesar del incendio sufrido y la casi total destrucción de Granada en 1856 por órdenes del filibustero William Walker, la casona sobrevivió. Con ánimo y espíritu de reconstrucción, “La Gran Francia” se elevó hacia las alturas - con dos plantas - y resurgió reconstruida, conservando su estilo y presentando la configuración actual, de la que se ha podido disfrutar desde 1865, fecha aproximada de la reconstrucción de la ciudad incendiada.
La casona debe su nombre a su más famoso habitante, el duque francés, Georges Choisseul Praslín, cuya dramática historia parece sacada de una novela. Tras asesinar a su esposa, el duque de Praslín, ayudada por el Rey Louis Phillipe de Francia, finge su suicidio y huye a Nicaragua, viviendo en la ciudad de Granada en “La Gran Francia”.
En el invierno de 1772, tras varios años
this page online
La Gran Francia
The first construction of what would be "La Gran Francia" dates back to the first years of the existence of the city of Granada, around the year 1524. This building, much more modest than the existing one, originally was a one-story colonial dwelling.
Despite the fire and the almost total destruction of Granada in 1856 by orders of the filibuster William Walker, the house survived. With a spirit of reconstruction, "La Gran Francia" was rebuilt to new heights - with two floors, retaining its style and presenting its current configuration, which has been enjoyed since 1865, the approximate date of the reconstruction of the burned-out city.
The house owes its name to its most famous inhabitant, the French Duke, Georges Choisseul Praslín, whose dramatic story seems to be taken from a novel. After assassinating his wife, the Duke of Praslín, aided by King Louis Phillipe of France, faked his suicide and fled to Nicaragua, living in the city of Granada in "La Gran Francia".
In the winter of 1772, after several years of
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, May 4, 2019
2. La Gran Francia
This image of the building is directly above the marker.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Man-Made Features • Wars, Non-US. A significant historical year for this entry is 1524.
Location. 11° 55.757′ N, 85° 57.212′ W. Marker is in Granada. Marker is on Avenida Guzmán just south of Calle El Caimito, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Granada 43000, Nicaragua. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 18 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies. María Romero Meneses (within shouting distance of this marker); Father Rafael Villavicencio (within shouting distance of this marker); Garibaldi in Granada (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); William Walker's Stables (about 150 meters away); Tribute to Nicaraguan Independence Leaders (about 180 meters away); Casa de los Leones (about 210 meters away); Rubén Darío in Granada (about 240 meters away); Carlos Ulloa A. (approx. 16.3 kilometers away in Masaya). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Granada.
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, May 4, 2019
3. La Gran Francia and Marker
The marker can be seen seen to the right of the entryway to the building, now a hotel.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 4, 2019. It was originally submitted on May 4, 2019, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. This page has been viewed 194 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 4, 2019, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana.
