Masaya, culturally known as the City of Flowers, is the capital city of Masaya department. It is situated approximately 14 km west of Granada and 31 km southeast from Managua. The town of Masaya is situated just East of Masaya Volcano (Volcán de Masaya), an active volcano from which the city takes its name. With an estimated population of 146,000 (2005), it is Nicaragua's third most populous city.