The Pipil tribe who occupied the region that is now El Salvador put up strong resistance to the 1524 Spanish expedition led by Pedro de Alvarado. By the following year, however, the Spanish had prevailed and established a settlement named San Salvador near the Pipil capital of Cuscatlan. The territory of El Salvador became part of the captaincy-general of Guatemala. When the independence of Guatemala was accepted by the Spanish in 1821, El Salvador accepted its new status, but objected strongly to the Guatemalans' plan to incoporate into the Mexican empire. Founded by the Spaniard Pedro De Alvarado in 1525, the city is a blend of modern buildings and colonial architecture, broad plazas and monuments, amusement parks and shopping centres.
Downtown are the most important public buildings.
The amusement park on San Jacinto Mountain can be reached by cable car and gives a panoramic view of the city. The village of San Sebastian, approximately one hour by car from San Salvador, is known for its beautiful woven materials. The village is situated near Lake Ilopango, the largest of El Salvador's lakes, surrounded by volcanoes and mountains, and a popular destination for outdoor and watersports enthusiasts. The mountain village of Ilobasco, northeast of the capital, is renowned for its beauty and its craftwork. Also close to the capital is the San Andr s region, whose fertile soil once housed Mayan settlements and whose architectural jewel, the acropolis, is a highlight.