Why do classical guitars have nylon strings?

Question:

Why do classical guitars have nylon strings?

Does anyone know why classical guitars have nylon strings? Why don't they have metal strings like an acoustic guitar?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Actually, they don't. The choice of nylon or metal is very much a choice of the artist. Many Classical Guitarists prefer the smoother sound of the nylon. But many, like the great Christopher Parkening, prefer the crisp sounds made by metal strings.

Another reason many prefer nylon is that the fingering and chord changes on nylon strings are easier to excute.

Cheers.