(900.000). Thanks to its unusual architecture and the landscapes it`s called the most beautiful capital in Central America. It`s situated in Meseta Central at the level of 1.140 metres. It`s main administrative and cultural centre of the country.
It was set up on 21th of May 1737 as Villa Nueva Boca del Monte. In 1884 became the third town in the world that installed public electric lighting and one of the first with the telephones service.
Costa Ricans do not use street addresses. Instead, Ticos
use an archaic system of directions that makes perfect sense to them, but tends
to confuse foreigners. A typical Tico address could be 200 m north and 50 m east
of the Correos (Post Office). The key to interpreting such directions is to keep
track of east and west, and remember that a city block is 100 m (330 ft) long.
San Jose is devided into quarters so called
barrios. [Av. Central-1/calles 2-4]. As institution it was established in 1914 (under the name Banc International) and changed its name to Banc National in 1936. There used to be the Square of Artilleria and the area at the eastern wall used to be occupied by St. Joseph
chapel. There is a conviction that it is the site from which the town was
born. It`s skyscraped building. The beton starcase in the center devides it into two parts. The structure is closed by the concrete frames that encompass the rows of windows (each of window is hided deep into the concrete surface). By the western wall of the bank there is a bronze sculpture of 12 Costa
Rica farming people. The oldest San Jose quarter, full of historic houses (in
the past belonged to coffee barons), that often are converted into hotels. To
the north it`s limited by Torres river and 13th avenida, to the south by 7th
avenida, to the east by 9th street and to the west by the Central
Street. That was designed at the end of XIX century by Amon
Fasileau Duplantier-a brother-in-law of Hipolit Tournon (a representative of
Tournon firm, that derived profits from coffee cultivating). In 1892 Amon
suggested that municipal authorities should build the new quarter in San Jose.
In January 1894 the contract was entered. Soon to a new quarter the richest
inhabitants started to settle, and they were building very elegant houses in
different styles (victorian, eclectical, neoclassic and modern). The Association for Quarter Development made the bus
traffic in the quarter was moved out. There is the main bus station (it consists of several small
bus-stations). It`s considered to be a rough zone. There sometimes appear young
street criminals known popularly as "chapulines". It used to be a site of Coca Cola bottling facility.
(Barrio Hospital). It`s spreaded within calle 18 and 24. It borders on the north side with cementerio general and on the south is devided by Rio Maria Aquilar. On August 29th 2002 it was flooded by that river. It is also on a fire red alert list.
(Barrio Paseo Colon). Important western extension
of Avenida Central. A large number of car rentals and airline companies have
headquarter there.
The wealthiest barrio in San Jose. It spreads on the eastern part of San Jose, within calles 31-37 and avenida 13 on the north side. It`s filled with small farms, gardens, and the houses of coffee barons. Houses are surrounded by wrought iron fences that limit ginger, coffee, pineapple and coconut plants.
Semi-residencial quarter in the east part of town. It`s
full of increasing number of first class hotels, restaurances and also up-scale
shopping malls. There is a historic Casa de Matute. It`s the quarter with the biggest concentration of apartotels in capital.
It`s spreaded to the north of Avenida 7, west of Calle 16. It`s working-class area. The most historic building there is an old church.
Less version of Barrio Amon (to the east of that). It`s
full of houses of turn-of-the century. There is a plan to make a renaissance of that area as the region of choice for intellectuals and nouveau riche.
There is situated the Zoologico Garden.
The western quarter of San Jose, full of elegant houses
including many ambassadors` residents. It is bordered by Rio Torres on the nothern side and by highway 104 to the south. On January 2000 there was a crush of the
touristic plane.
The easternmost quarter of San Jose. Within that is
situated the University of Costa Rica. In the Music Department there is the Entomologic Museum
with the insects exhibits. There is put the fountain that used to stand at the Central Park (it features the child holding the neck of heron). There are a lot of bars and restaurants
for youth. There is situated the Flag Monument put in the centre of rond-point. In the quarter there are also the biggest in Central
America shopping mall (San Pedro Mall). It`s 8-stored building, looking as if to
be carved into the rock. The fifth and sixth floor has "Planet Mall", the
largest disco in Central America. Quarter in southern part of San Jose. Now it`s a plan to change its two major rondos: San Sebastian and Paso Ancho into interseccions with traffic lights.
Industrial quarter in North-West part of San Jose. There is the rondo of Juan Pablo II.
The newest boulevard of San Jose (January 15th of 2002). It`s named for homenage of three-times president Ricardo Jimenez Oreamuno (in the beginning of XX). It spreads over 5.000 metres and links the southers edges of Nacional Park and the Tribunal of Justice building. It`s lined with palms and stood out by one precolombian granite ball. It`s paved with red-bricked pavement.
[Av.4/calle 5-7]. Many-storey building with futuristic, concrete facade. It`s nonsymmetrically cut by single or put in rows window. In some parts it`s distinguished by typical framework (vertical and horizontal concrete beams). It`s a seat of Costa Rica Tourism Board.s
-It`s situated in Barrio Amon (avenida 13/calle 3). It`s built in 1930 in ornamental Moorish style. It`s distinguished by small turrets. It`s decorated with rows of keyhole windows and plaster crenellations. It has strips of hand-painted tails that border the dome. The first owner was Senor Anastasio Herrero. Later was bought by Dona Luz Quiros de Rodriguez, mother of archbishop Carlos H. Rodriguez.
In 2002 it was granted for Jorge Ignacio Guier Acosta.
[Av.Central-2/calle 2-4]. It has neoclasic, stone
structure and is the biggest church in the capital. It was set up in 1871. (On
the same place previously stood the chapel dated to 1827, which became to be a
cathedral in 1850). It was designed by Eusebio Rodriguez. It`s destinguished by
small corrugated dome, cased windows and corinthian columnes. Its interior has
pattern, tiled floor and plenty of reliefs. A chapel placed on the north side of
the cathedral has the biggest number of pictures, but is almost always closed.
Lately, the cathedral was put to the detailed renovation works, during which all
destructions made after the earthquake were repaired. In 1983 the cathedral was visited by Pope Juan Pablo II.
That event is commemorated by marble plate. In the underground are burnt two
first arsbishops: Llorent and Bernardo A. Thiel, and former president Tomas
Guardia. In the south side, there is a XVIII-century Archbishop
Palace. In the cathedral garden there is the statue of bishop Bernardo A. Thiel.
[Av.Central-1/calle 6-8]. That was established in 1881. It`s brick hall with short, sheet metal, two-sided roof. The entrances are placed on the its cut corners. There
are boxes and stalls dotted with bunches of flowers, vines, roots, spices and
herbs. Some of the cheapest meal in town are served there. [Av.10-12/calle Central]. It`s one-naved copy of San Juan cathedral in Puerto Rico. It was made in neobaroque style. It`s destinguished with arched arcades devided each other by doubled columns. On the frontons on the sides of dome there are statuettes of angels. It is adorned by balusters and is destinguished also by the clock put under the dome.
[Av. Central/calle 3]. It`s one nave church that has short, two-sided roof and three big arched entrances, separated from each other by huge doubled pilasters. It doesn`t have the significal front-wall. It has a protuberant mould and ornate fronton. It`s grayish-white.
[Av. Central/calle 3]. It`s one nave church that has short, two-sided roof and three big arched entrances, separated from each other by huge doubled pilasters. It doesn`t have the significal front-wall. It has a protuberant mould and ornate fronton. It`s grayish-white. The first church in that place was built in 1841. In 1860`s, when in Costa Rica was a cholera epidemy, and people promised to themselves that if it will pass away, they will carry the statuette of Black Christ. It was ordered in Guatemala, is made of mahogany and is put on the altar. In the last sunday of August it is carried in parade.
[Av.4/calle 9]. It`s an ecletic structure with two simetrical towers
flanking a central atrium dated to 1909. In the niches of both towers are put the statuettes. In the center part of fasade there are two columns and the steps that lead to the interior. It`s destinguished by stain
glasses brought from Switzerland. Its bells and organs date to the beginning of
the century. It`s fronted by a tiny square with Guanacaste tree and a bust of Carlos Guardia. There the concerts are performed. The high ceiling is propitious
to good acoustics. [Av. 9/calle 29]. One nave, white church situated on the corner of 23th street and 9th avenida.
Above the main entrance is hang the balcony supported on each corner by four columned structures. It`s accented with high quite narrow dome in back side. The fasade wall is devided by pilasters and stood out with rectangular windows topped by triangular tops. On the roof is put the figure of Santa Teresita.
[Av. Central-1/calle 5]. The most known cinema in San Jose. It was founded by a trademan Tomas Garcia in 1891. At the
beginning there performed the wandering groups. The popularity it gained after
the municipal theater was burned out (today`s Melico Salazar Theater) in 1960`s.
It`s designed for 185 viewers. Its name has to do with different artistic events
taking place on there (from circus through sorcerers shows to cinema). It has
nonchanged facade from the beginning. It`s specialized with showing vanguard
films. On every year there is held the Festival of Costa Rica films. In 1909 there was chosen a candidate for Republican Party Ricardo Jimenez. In 1930, there was shown the first ever in Costa Rica history movie "El Retorno" (that was brought by Don Amando). It`s one of the oldest school. That was built in 1886 (and was the most expensive building ever constructed in the country). It was designed by Lesmes Jimenez Bonnefil. There used to be the Nacional Registery. It`s placed on the Square of Guarantees Sociales, and covers almost the entire block within Avenidas 4/6 and calles 5/7. Different parts of building has 4-sided roofs. The front fasade along calle 5 is two storeyed and is devided into three parts: two sided and the central backed. It has rectangular, framed windows (in the centralpart arched-ones). It`s destinguished by protuberant top and inner-storey moulds. The central part is faced by small courtyard limited by iron fence.
It is placed in Barrio Tournon (to the north from
the town centre), opened on 15 September of 1977. It was designed by Spaniard
Francisco Prospero after the example of old colonial spanish town with cobbled
streets, wrought-iron lamps and historic low houses with red tiled roofs and
balconies full of flowers. There are a lot of bars, restaurances and
discotegues. It`s full of people especially in weekend evenings. In 1948 the pact ending the national war was signed there.
[Av. 5-7/calle 11]. It`s situated next to the Park of Spain. It used to be the
National Factory of Liquor, and now houses the Ministry of Culture, Youth and
Sport. The main building was built in 1856. It`s one-storey on rectangular base along the street. It has short, two-sided roof, arched windows, ornated stone gate and iron grating with four pilasters on which is put the triangular fronton with the clock inside. There is also the National Centre of
Culture with Gallery of Contemporary Arts. The complex comprises also of two
theaters, three art galleries, library and live cultural activities. On the west
side of building is old sun clock. There is also a machinery and equipment
operating as it used to.
[Paseo Colon-Av.6/calle 14-20].
On the surface of few blocks spread the massive structures of hospital San Juan de Dios and
The Children Hospital (1969) (at the second one, at Christmas time the Children's has a
massive illuminated tree). The San Juan de Dios is 2 or 3-storey long building spreaded along the streets. It was established in 1845.
[Av. 1/calle9]. Neoclassical structure located near Francisco
Morazan Park. It dates to 1940`s and is painted in pink and
white. It`s 5-storeyed building with flat roof, light rysalites with arched windows and 104 rooms inside. Between fourth and fifth floor it stands out with a tarrace surrounded by adorn baluster. The hotel is considered to be a National Heritage Treasure. In 1994 it was under the restoration.
[Av.Central-2/calle 3].
It overlooks Square of Culture and Square of Juan Rafael Mora. It`s one of the
most known hotels in Costa Rica, built in 1930. It`s three-fasaded on rectangular-base with four floors (the highest one separated by outstanding mould). Its roof is short and two-sided. Its fasade stands out for balconies-dummies. In the arcaded first-ground funciones the Paris Restaurant with terrace from which one can observe the street life. [Av.5/calle 5-7]. Modern, the highest (17-storeyed) hotel in San Jose along the northern
edge of Francisco Morazan Park. It has a form of glassed, slender box that
stands on protuberant foundation. The fasade is devided into five vertical parts by the concrete frames. The few lower floors are enclosed by massive buttresses that hold the advanced moulds. It has the free earthquake protect system. It consists of 201 rooms and is ranked to have the highest put casino in the world (on 17th floor). [Av. 7/calle 3-5]. It`s 100 % mahogany and is situated in Barrio Amon. It was built in 1910 by a coffee plantator family (Salazar). It`s one-storeyed building with veranda in the entrance. The roof is distinguished by loocarens. It has twenty high ceiling rooms, embellished with King Louis XV furniture.
It was to be bulldozed in the past in order to expand the Aurolas's Hotel parking lot.
[Av.11/calle 3bis]. Large, 4-storeyed square base building in Barrio Amon. It dominates over calm residencial street and stands out with smooth plaster (without any adorness), large rectangular windows and many oriels topped by frontons. It has 90 rooms inside.
[Av.7/calle 5]. Dated to XIX century, ornate one-storeyed building is a seat
of the organization called the French Alliance. It was build up at victorian style in 1895 by Jara
family. The design was made by an architect Pirie. It is in possession of 25-cm
thick walls and a metal porch brought from Belgium. In 1988 it was declared the
national monument and in 1994 it was undergone a complete
restoration. [Av. 9/calle 7]. (Casa Verde) It`s situated in Barrio Amon. It was
built around 1910 as a property of Don Carlos Saborio Yglesias (a wealthy owner of a cattle rancho). It`s two storeyed, clapboard building on which there are a few elegant
aparthaments (Celia Jr., Yglesias, Don Carlos Saborio). In 1994 that was
declared the best renovated building in the country. [Av.10/calle 21]. It`s situated in Barrio Los Yoses. It`s a elaborate 1920`s construction purchased in 1935 by a Venezuelan Matute Gomez, who was fleeing political persecution following the fall of his dictator brother in Venezuela. Now it`s a buzzing night spot.
[Av.7/calle 11]. (Casa Amarilla).
It`s situated to the east from Social Security Building, not far from Park of
Spain. In front of that a huge La Ceiba tree rises, and that was
planted in 1963 during Central America presidents Summit. The building used to
be a seat of Foreign Ministry and is painted in yellow. Its interior is also yellow. There are a lot of mirrors.
Furnitures and doors are made of dark wood. At the beginning it was placed in Cartago. (The building
was completed in December of 1907). It served as the site of the Central
American Court of Justice. But soon it was destroyed due to the earthquake, and
rebuilt in San Jose thanks to Andres H. Carnegic 100.000 $ donation. It was
completed in 1916 with the supervision of architect Henry D.
Wiffield. In years of 1966 and 1975 it undergone solid renovation. In
1976 that was declared the national monument. In 1990 the yellow addition was
stuck to that. [Av. Central/calle 17].
The Moorish style building close to the Democracy Square.
It was built in 1912 by presidencial candidate Maximo Fernandez. In 1914 he lost
and lent his home - known as the Blue Castle - to President ellect Alfredo
Gonzalez Flores. The building was a private residence between 1954 - 1989. Today
it houses the Legislative Assembly.
It served at the beginning as prison. Since 1887 it has been used as school (the second oldest high school in Costa Rica). It`s placed on calle 9 and 11/avenida 16. On its background is placed the statue of former president Ricardo Jimenez Oreamuno.
[Av.5/calle 9]. One of three experimental buildings made of metal, that were
put in San Jose on the turn of centuries (1896). It has to do with catastrophic
earthquake from 1888. The metal constructions were to save the new buildings
from destruction. The process of building was under control of architect Charles
Thirion. The metal elements were fabricated by Herrerias De Aisseau company and
transported to Costa Rica from Amberes in Belgium. The first segments were
shipped to Limon in 1892. At the beginning that was devided into two parts: school
for boys and school for girls. After big earthguake from 1910, there was an
hospital for wounded persons. It`s painted in different shades of yellow with pastel
moulds. The inside of the building could easely be the outer facade. Outside
is accented with a bust of Minerva symbolizing "goddess of
wisdom". During its building, around
were only fields dominated by moskitos. Now it houses a school of Buenaventura
Corrales. It`s situated at the north end of calle 4. It resembles a
castle building. It dates to 1848 and as resently as 1989 served as the prison for
4.000 men. It`s distinguished by two half-rounded towers-rysalites and outstanding attic. There are 34 rooms each with different theme. There are exhibits that include a planetarium and rooms dedicated to astronomy, planet earth, Costa Rica, ecology, science, human beings, and communications.
[Av.7/calle 9-11]. It is named in honour of the founder Marco Fidel
Tristan Castro, who initiated the purchase of the jade collection. It`s on the 11th
floor of the Institute for National Security, at Francisco Morazan Park. The
exhibit in this museum is the largest American jade collection in the world.
There are shown also musical instruments, bows and arrows, an aerial photo of
the Guayabo Archeological Site and replica of 14th century Tang Dynasty ceramic
horse. [Av.3/calle 21]. It was opened on May 1993 and is in the former railway station building dated to 1907.
Contains a display of pictures and documents referred to famous "jungle train".
Outside there is a steam engine that was brought in 1939 from
Philadelphia. It`s situated in Los Yoses quarter. There is the collection of pre-Columbian jewelry, art, ceramics, and artifacts. There are also pitch-gold, emeralds, and semi-precious stones for sale.
[Av.6-8/calle 21]. It is situated in the building of Supreme Court. There are exhibitions of weapons,
tools of crimes, counterfeit lottery tickets and money, drug paraphernalia, also
illegaly aborded fetus and black-white pictures featuring for example quartered
bodies. That was established in 1981. [Calle 42}. It was established in 1977. It is in former building of
airport terminal in La Sabana Municipal Park. There are presented art and
paintings from XIX and XX century. On the first ground there is an exhibition of
French artist Louis Ferron, featuring the history of Costa Rica. In front of the museum there is the Park of Centenary where are put the monument of Juan Carlos I and Leon Cortes. [Av.Central-2/calle 15-17]. It is situated on the Square of Democracy. The building`s origin dates back to
1916. Till 1949 that was called Fort Bellavista, and housed the government
barracks. Now there is so called the golden room, that was sponsored by banana
company of United Fruit. The inner gardened courtyard is devoted for exhibitions of
precolumbian objects, historical dresses, colonial furnituries, presidencial
portraits and mastadon tooth. There are shown matates (Chorotegas Indian stone
tables for corn crushing). The documents of granting in 1987 the Peace Nobel
Prize for president Oscar Arias Sanchez are placed there as well. The court of museum is also opened for public. There are a
few cannons and big rounded balls dug out in south-east part of the
country. Opened in 1959, it`s located near the south-west corner of
La Sabana Metropolitan Park, at Colegio La Salle. There are featured stuffed
animals, whale skeleton and various bottles containing sea urchins, octopi,
human fetuses and bats. There is also an Indian archeology display. On the island on the foyer lives a crocodile. It`s situated in former National Liquor Factory. There are
held international and national paintings, sculptures and industry art
exhibitions. [Av.Central/calle 5]. It`s situated in the underground of Plaza de la Cultura, in the long narrow room with thick vault doors. It provides a survey of the money and coins of Costa Rica and an explanation of how the money developed. It includs the exhibitions of 1000-colones dating to 1969 and examples of the country`s colourful paper money, first issued in 1864.
[Av.Central/calle 5]. It`s situated in the underground of Plaza de la Cultura. It
was built by the Costa Rica`s Central Bank in 1982. It encompasses the second
largest collection in America of precolumbian pieces of gold (over 1.600 pieces
at all weighing in at 24.000 troy ounces). The exhibits of figures of frogs,
jaguars, sharks, snakes, lobsters are hung on thin lines and give the impression
of soaring in the air. There are tons of birds of prey and crocodiles figures
(the last ones carry the pathetic dangling legs of humans). Costa Rica Indians,
1000 years before Columb arriving were the most advanced in producing the goods
from gold.
It`s situated in Barrio Uruca and was founded in 1985. There are the collections of printing presses, type setting machines, type-faces and other related objects representing the history of printing in Costa Rica during the last 150 years.
One of the most known monuments in San Jose. It`s placed in
National Park, in the eastern part of town, between 15 and 19 streets and 1 and
3 avenidas. It was made in Paris at the end of XIX century. It symbolizes of
brave attitude of Central America, especially Costa Rica in fight against
american filibustier William Walker, who wanted in 1856 to take over the entire
region. The monument`s building in Paris in the middle of last century was
ordered by Costa Rica representative for french sculptor Louis Carrier Bellouse.
He made a bronze pedestal on which put seven figures. Five of them symbolize
Central American republics, and two others of William Walker and one of his dead
soldiers. Costa Rica stands straight in the middle, one hand holds the flag and
shows the way for free, and the second hand support wound Nicaragua. The latter
one with broken sword, as a agony sign, has a veil on her head. Guatemala holds
the axe, El Salwador the sword and Honduras the arch and shield. On the pedestal there are four reliefs depicting: scenes
from Santa Rosa battle, fights in Rivas, the seizing of boats in the San Juan
river and human shape of off that time president Juan Rafael Mora
Porras. The monument sculpturing was ended up in 1891, and it was
brought to Costa Rica a year kater. The solemn unveiling of a monument was on
September 15th of 1892. In the ceremony took place different representatives of
neighbouring countries. Next to that is situated The Numismatic Museum.
[Av. 2-4/calle Central-2]. (Square of Tomas Guardia).
It`s shaded by exotic trees (among others one Guanacaste) and has an ornate fountain, concrete benches and
spider-like kiosko (something like a stage), where on every sunday concerts are
held. The donator of that structure was former Nicaragua dictator Anastasio
Somoza. A few years back in a referendum, inhabitants of San Jose decided about
not pulling down it. Beneath the kiosko there is a Carmen Lyra Children`s Library and has been put since 2004 an ornate flagpole. . At the northern park edge at across the street there is a
Melico Salazar Theater, and old famous in Costa Rica Soda Palace
(resaturation). In 1842 in one of its corner was shot in execution Francisco Morazan. (Park Merced). It`s situated in front of La Merced church. Has 1,3 metre
precolombian stone sphere, the statue of former president Braulio Carillo and
Gothic arch-shaped fountain. There is also a monument honoring the astronomer Copernicus. It`s covered by high palms and agavas. In the southern edge of park there is a factory of beer and in the western one - the hospital of San Juan de Dios.
It`s placed between 5th and 9th streets and 3th and 5th
avenidas. It was designed in 1887. It`s devided into four plots. In the middle stands the neoclassic
kiosko that serves as the band-shell. In its north-west side rise tabebuiba
trees, that bloom in dry season. To the southern part are stuck two historical
houses. In north-east corner, in front of the metal building, there is a
fountain. The park is overshaded by La Aurora Hotel (the highest hotel in
town). It`s scattered by the statues and busts (Bernardo Soto Alfaro, Bernardo O`Higgins). It`s surrounded by the long concrete benches that serve as the fence with iron, ornate gates. In 1998 a 3,5 metres of height bronze statue of Costa Rica
president from 1974 - 1978 Daniel Oduber Quiros was erected. That way his participation in
social country development was commemorated. The monument was made by Costa Rica
artist Olger Villegas. (Park of expression). Shady, little park accentuated by the
transplanted from around the country tropical trees. There the monument of
conquistador and a large fountain are destinguished. There are the tableaus devoted for Manuel Gonzalez Zeledon from 1964, Aquileo J. Echeveria (1966), for the memory of the members of balet of Dona Caralia de Romero who have been killed in catastrophe in Choluteca (Honduras) in 1969. In the western part there is also a big tebleau from 1978 about the first singing of national hymn at that place by children in 1903. In its south-western corner
there is a former liquor factory that in 1994 was converted into the National
Centre of Culture. At the western side of the park there is so called Metal
Building. To the North is the Institute for National Insurance building. In the
northeast corner is placed colonial-style tiled tiny chapel with 4 ornated
reliefs on each side. In 1994 it was renovated with the help of the Spanish Embassy. The nation largest urban park in the western San Jose. It`s
situated on the place of former international airport. It has olimpic size
swimming-pool, bicycles trails, football, tennis and golf fields. There is also
the artificial lake and national football stadium. It`s covered among others by
eucaliptuses. Within that in former terminal building there is a
National Museum of Costa Rica Art. Large, forested park between Avenidas 1 & 3, and Calles
15 and 19. It was designed in 1895 and in the same year in its central part was put the National Monument
commemorating the succesful fight against american filibustier William Walker in
1856. At the southwest corner is a statue of national hero Juan
Santamaria. Besides there are a lot of statues of people involved in the independence of the country (Denis Mora, Aliberto Marten Chavarril, Miguel Idalgo, Don Andres Bello). It`s dominated by high trees on which parakeest abounds. To
the south from park there is situated the red building of National Registry and
the Electoral Tribunal. On the western side of the park there is the national
library.
Disney-style amusement park in La Uruca quarter. There are
replicas of the National Liquor Factory, Congressional Building, churches and
Costa Rican Banc. It has three sections: capital city, coast, and country (the
last one with original adobe structures moved to there). On September 2002 there was held the concert of famous venezuelan group El Dia del Nino".
53-ha park in southern parts of town. It was created by
president Oscar Arias as a sport-recreation centre. It consists of football
field, volleyball and basketball fields, 5 kilometres of bicycle routes and an
artificial lake. Lately was put the monument dedicated to the destruction of arms confiscated on the borders on trials of smuggling them through Costa Rica. It was sculptured by Mario Parra. In administration building complex take place a lot of courses.
Among them stands so called The Artist Building, where amateur painters show
their works. On weekends, in parks many concerts or political lectures can take
place. It`s located between avenidas Central and Second and the
streets 13th and 15th. It`s concrete square with slopes gently up toward the
National Museum building. It was ordered by Oscar Arias president in 1989. On
the west is a bronze statue of Don Figueres, completed in 1994. It was to be for
commemoration of 100 years of democracy in Costa Rica. At its western side there
are a lot of market stalls, where T-shirts and other art souvenirs from Costa
Rica, Guatemala and Peru are sold. It`s situated in the outskirts of San Jose, three kilometres east of San Pedro quarter. It was created by Oscar Arias as a recreational center. There are children play houses, basket ball courts, volleyball nets, barbecue pits and benches. Within that (in the eastern edge) there is the rondo of I Griega.
[Av.1-3/calle 2]. Two-leveled, rectangular-based building.
It was designed in 1917 by Luis Llach. It has the arched windows of ground floor and is topped by triangles in the first floor. It`s distinguished by three gated entrance, massive fronton and attic. On the first floor there is established in
1985 the Museum of Stamps with historic telegraphs and telephones (there is
presented among others Penny Black - the oldest Costa Rica stamp dated back to
1963). In 1980 the building was declared the national monument. Opposite the
post office is a small park shaded by massive fig trees. [Av.1/calle 9-11]. There
are presented different species of reptiles and amphibians, among others snake
terciopelo (responsible for the half of snakes bites in Costa Rica), Jesus
Christ Basiliscues, Iguanas, Boa constrictors, seas snakes, poisnous dart frogs
and being egsotic in Costa Rica cobras and pythones. There is a also a large fish-pool with piranhas. It`s situated close to the El Pueblo shopping centre. It
sticks to the northern edge of Simon Bolivar Zoo. The entrance for that is
situated in Barrio Tournon. Its name in latin means "the butterfly". The garden
consists of small waterfalls surrounded by orchids and heliconias. It`s covered
by net that make it impossible for butterflies to escape. There live blue Morpho
butterflies, transparent Espejitos and red, green, yellow and black Heliconius.
There are the total number of 21 species. Besides there are also colorful
humminbirds. On every morning workers pick the butterflies eggs and put
them in special boxes devoted for the european collectors. The heart of town. It`s placed along Avenida Central
between C. 3 and C 5. Around are situated the restaurances and bars. It`s often
visited by pigeons that are feeded by resting on benches tourists and locals as
well. It is also a favored performance spot for local marimba
bands, clowns, jugglers, and colorfully dressed South Americans playing Andean
music. In the southern part dominates the Nacional Theater. At the western side,
across the street there is famous Gran Hotel with 24 hours Paris
Restaurant. It was designed in 1925.
It covers entirely block between 4/6 Ave and 5/7 calle. Next to there is situated Ministry of Tourism and College of Girls. There is a monument of Rafael Angel Calderon Guardia.
It was designed in 1994 on avenida 13, calle 7/9. There are six high columned structure in crescent shape linked together by the protuberant mould. There stands the new electoral Tribunal building. It features a chunk of the Berlin Wall donated by the German Government. There is also a plaque that commemorates the date when the wall came tumbling down.
It was named after the first chief of state of Costa Rica (1823 - 1829). It`s placed in front of the National Theater and next to Hotel Gran. In the western part it`s limited by the arcade, long, roofed passage that lead to the Hotel Gran. In June 1995
that was reinaugurated after renovation. There is the monument of Juan Mora Fernandez (he hold a sword and have a coat slung over left hand). It stands out with the benches that consists of fat, iron pipes stuck together by clamps.
San Jose is laid out on a grid: avenidas (avenues) run east
and west; calles (streets), north and south. Avenidas north of the Avenida
Central have odd numbers, and those to the south have even ones. On the western
end of the city, Avenida Central becomes Paseo Colón; on the eastern end, it's
an equally busy, though nameless, four-lane boulevard. Calles to the east of
Calle Central have odd numbers; those to the west are even.
It`s situated in Francisco Morazan Park. It`s a imitation
of The Temple of Love in Versal. That was designed by Francisco Salazar in the
place of old, wooden chapel. It come into use on 24th of december of 1920. That
was the first building in Costa Rica, that dome was reinforcemented by
concrete. Previously that served as the place of meeting for lovers.
But later that became a place where concerts and political lectures were held.
In 1975 that was expected to be destroyed and instead of that was to be erected
the monument of Argentinian singer of Carlos Gardela. Luckily, in the same year
the temple was declared the national monument. In 1980 that undergone the solid
renovation. [Av.2-4/calle 6]. It`s a corner, two-storeyed pink-creame building. It has rectangular windows (largest on the first ground and tiny on upper one). It`s devided by pilasters and is topped by simple attic (some windows of upper ground are devided by large inscriptions). The main arch-entrance is put on calle 6. Along that is also the larger part of building which has same-size windows and is topped by triangular fronton.
[Av.7/calle 13]. (Apartamentos Jimenez de la Guardia). It is rectangle-base three-floor building (next to the Yellow Building). It was built in 1917 by Francisco Jimenez de la Guardia. It`s distinguished by large, cut corner with adornate attic, half-rounded oriel on which is put the balcony and by corrugated columns. Lately it was a set for the Costa Rican movie "Password".
[Av. 13/calle 3]. It`s built in 1930 in ornamental Moorish style. It`s distinguished by small turrets. It`s decorated with rows of keyhole windows and plaster crenellations. It has strips of hand-painted tails that border the dome. The first owner was Senor Anastasio Herrero. Later was bought by Dona Luz Quiros de Rodriguez, mother of archbishop Carlos H. Rodriguez. In 2002 it was granted for Jorge Ignacio Guier Acosta.
It`s placed on Avenida 2/calle 1-3. It`s one storey building, accented by ornated triangular (or half-rounded on the other wall) fronton. The fasade is cut by large pilasters, topped by Ionic order. They separate large rectangular windows or the blade-shaped structures. It was funded by Juan Knorr in 1914. (It`s written with big ornated letters on its wall). Inside there are music shop, bakery and drugstore.
[Av.1-3/calle 5]. It`s placed next to the Honey-cake tenement-house. It`s backed from the street and separated from it by concrete fence with iron spans. In front of that is quite big concrete courtyard. It`s two-storeyed building of irregular shape. It`s destinguished by large, ornated top moulds, atticks and buttresses. The most sumptuous is a middle part with delicate compositions in plaster beneath and above window of the first floor.
[Av.3/calle 2]. It`s placed next to the main building. It is four storeyed, corner building with short roof. It dates to the beginning of XX century. It is stood out with 4-sided, corner rysalite with adorned balustered attic on its roof. Floors are devided each other by protuberant moulds. Large, elongated windows are separated by pilasters. On the first floor is run Mc Donald`s restaurance.
[Av.7/calle 15]. It was designed by Francisco Jimenez de la Guardia around 1920. There is placed an Office for Propagation the French Culture. It`s massive, rectangular-based building. It`s two-storeyed, cut by numerous pilasters building with two-sided roof. Its right side is sunk into the climbing street.
[Av. Central/calle 1-3]. It`s two-storeyed building with very marked adorned triangular (and semicircular on the other wall) fronton. The fasade is cut by large pilasters finished in Ionic order. They separate rectangular, large safety-razor blade shaped forms. It was founded by Juan Knorr in 1914.
[Av.5/calle 7]. It was designed in 1950`s. In 1970`s was added spined ornaments. It stands out with sharp-arched gates and blind doors plus very narrow windows. It`s rectangular-based, one storeyed building. The roof is hided behind attic with corner spines and by triangular fronton.
[Av.1/calle 5]. Cornered, small, two-storeyed building in baroque style, accented by corner tower topped by concrete dome with loocarens. The windows of first floor have the distinct entablature. It`s distinguished by small iron balconies. The fasade is adorned also by pilaster that imitate the Ionic columns and arched windows. (The ornaments resemble the icing on honey-cake). In 2000 the inside of the building was a little destroyed by fire. Now there is the store with luxure glass things.
[Av. 1 bis/calle 7-9]. It used to belong to family of Max Guardian Rojas. It was built at the beginning of XX century in Victorian style. It`s one-storey building with lookarens in attic. It is destinguished with wooden walls with trimmings made of sheet zinc and with stained-glass windows in fasade. In years 1994 - 1995 there was plan to convert that into Casa de la Cultura. Since 2000 has been registered on the list of historical buildings. Lately has been bought by owners of nearby Hotel del Rey.
[Av.2/calle Central]. One of two the most known theaters in Costa Rica. It is placed in front of the Central Park. It was
built in 1799 and served at the beginning as the municipal tenement-house. On
that time the park on which it stood was called Plaza Real. In 1828 it was
destroyed by earthguake and rebuilt from stone elements. During terms of Juan Rafael Mora, it was converted into his
main office. In 1849 Mora moved there his new army. There were the ammunition,
cannons and guns. The traces of that were being finding many years after that.
(One time, the cannons hiden beneath the floor have been found in one of the
rooms). On July 18th of 1918, the building again changed its
functions and became the school for boys. In 1924 the earthquake seriously
damaged its construction, and the school became empty. A few years later after
romoving the ruins, the new owner of that surface was Jose Raventos. He wanted
to build the theater, that could rival with National Theater. The new building
was designed by Costa Rica architect. On putting up the building (7.X.1928) with
2250 seats, was called the Raventos Theater. The first operetta that was played
was titled "Kiss me", and the title role belonged to Esperanza Iris. In
subsiguent years the first silent films started to be produced. The good luck
for theater ended in 1967, when during stage adaptation of "Dracula", the fire
destroyed its interior.In 1970`s, the cultural
elite of San Jose bought and renovated it giving the name of "the Popular
Theater". The renovation ended up in 1976 and soon after that the quarrel about
its name started again. Some people wanted to call it just The Municipal
Theater. Others suggested to change it for Melico Salazar Theater (famous Costa
Rica tenor). The latter idea won and since 1980 it has been called that way.
During renovation, workers from spanish Museum of Art added the third floor, rebuilt the stage, the dais for orchestra, strengthen Corinthian columns,
balconies and completed many reliefs. The number of seats was reduced to 1000.
The velvet curtains have been brought from Spain. On 13 December of 1981, the
theater started to functione again, producing a performance called "the
Carmen". The theater season lasts from April to December. [Av.2/calle 3-5]. It`s situated in the south-west corner of the Culture
Square. Its building was initiated at the end of XIX century by coffee barons,
who agreed for special tax from each coffee bag. It was because the world famous
prima donna Adelina Patti during her tournee through Central America, overlooked
Costa Rica due to the lack of proper place for performing. The building was
designed by architects from Italy, Spain and France. It was built from steel
frames protecting it against the earthquakes. Finally, the building was ended up
in 1897. In 1965 it was declared the national monument. In 1991 the renovation
of that was carried out. It`s made of sandstone and is a scaled-down of Paris opera.
It`s accentuated by arched windows and columned facade (the columns are made
from marble brought from Italy). The entrance to the theater is flanked by
figures of Bethoven and Spanish dramatist Calderon de la Barca. Three other
figures symbolizing of Music, Art and Literature, are put on triangular top. The
whole is covered by domed roof. The interior is destinguished by sumptuous hall, marble
steps, golden and bronze finishes, tropical woods, crystallic chandeliars,
mirrors and picture. On the ceiling, there is a fresco featuring the banana
loading for boat, painted by Arturo Fontana. On the second level is a ceiling painting by Italian artists Aleandro Villa, entitled Alegoria. In the theater rooms, there is a cafe Ruisenor offering
coffee, sandwiches and cakes. It`s situated in Barrio Otoya and is called after Simon Bolivar. It was founded in 1916 and is spreaded on 14 acre surface. Now there are the trials for its renovation. In the majority there are the native species, but there are also lion and Bengal tiger.
Situated 22 kilometres off the capital in the Valley of El
Guarco, on 1.435 m.a.s.l. That was established in 1563 by Juan Vasguez de
Coronado. Several times (1572, 1574) the first settlers changed its position (and that`s why it was called the "moving city"). In 1574 the governor Anguciano de Gamboa removed Cartago Mata Redonda to its current position. Till 1823 that served as the capital. Its name means "the muds town".
Because of the specific weather conditions it`s often called "the town of fogs". It`s the nation's religious center and home of Costa Rica's patron saint: La Negrita, or Virgen de los Angeles (she has been the saint patron of Cartago since 1872). In 1822 and especially in 1910, huge destructions due to the earthquake. On July 2002 in town occured the controversial destruction of two historical victorial style buildings ready to be recognized the national monuments (by their new owners).
In the town there is the Intitute Technical of Costa Rica.
In 1972 the monument of Melico Salazar was unveiled. The quarter that is situated at the south part of the town. On October 27th of 1891 that was inundaciones and many buildings have been covered by the water. There is situated Square of Independence.
The cathedral stands in the eastern part of town, on the
rock, where on August 2nd of 1635, small stone figure of Black Virgin (popular
called La Negrita) appeared for Juana Pereira-a young mulatto wood gatherer.
(Legend has it that, the figure, on finding it by girl, was put by a priest in
local church, from which two-times dissapeared and back to the same place in the
forest. Its dissapearing stopped after building on that place a chapel. Inside
there is a room full of silver medalions attesting to La Negrita`s miracles.
Behind the cathedral there is a well from where pilgrims collect holy water.
It`s surrounded by small 8-columned dome. On every year, around a half a million
of pilgrims from all over Central America come to basilica to worship on August
2nd. The first cathedral was destroyed by the earthquake in 1926
and was soon rebuilt in Bizantine style. It was set up in 1869, but the current one-storey building was built in 1929. It`s placed on calle5/avenida 3 (the complex of lower buildings is spread to the south). It has a stone foundations. The arched windows are separated by pilasters. The main entrance has the four columns on which is put the triangular fronton. It has flat roof and its central part is destinguished by the exuberant very massive concrete dome. The first principal of that school was Valentiano Fernandez Ferraz. There is situated the Elias Leiva Museum.
It was built in 1902. Before 1948 it was named Hospicio de Huerfanos de Cartago. In 2002 it was granted the title "Meritorious building for education".
It was built at the beginning of the XX century. It`s one-storey and consists of three parts (among which two sided ones could be separated structures and the middle one treats as their link. It stands out with the square windows put into ornamentall frames. It has two-sided roof.
It was named after Cartago doctor. It`s a complex building. Its main structure is a rysalite that is higher than the rest buildings. It`s destinguished by high ground floor and large windows devided into 6 glasses. (In the rest of the buildings the windows are devided into 4 glasses).
In the centre of Cartago there are a few historical
buildings. The most impressive belonged to descendants of conquistadors (they
are distinguished by fretwork eaves and interior archways), and the rest in the
suburbs to the servant workers. In that quarter remained the old scheme of
streets. (Club Sociales de Cartago). It`s on Avenida Second and calle 1/3. It`s light-green and is destinguished by three rysalites. The two-storey building has the flat roof. THere are held weddings, birthdays celebrations and parties.
It is situated in front of the Ruina church, on the lawn and shaded trees. It`s in honour of famous tenor.
The Elias Leiva Museum of Etnography is situated on Avenida 3/5 and calle 3/5. It was established in
1933 and is placed in San Louis Gonzaga College. There are features objects of
historical, archeological (800 precolombian objects) and etnographical value.
It`s placed in El Carmen quarter.
The ruin of the Saint Bartholome church. It`s building was
interrupted by the earthquake in 1910. It started to be building even in 1574
but due to many reasons 5 times had to be stopped. Now it consists of only walls
without the roof, that surrounded inside well maintained garden. There is put the Independence Bell. Next to the ruin run dug out by archeologists historic
cobble-stone street. Along its kerb spreads the canal through which flow the
rain water used by inhabitants. Soon it should be illuminated. It`s placed in Barrio El Molino.
It`s designed in the eastern part of town, between avenidas 2/4 and calles 14/16. In its east edge there is the cathedral of Los Angeles. It was lately renovated. It`s paved, has elaborate lamps and a strange kiosko in the north-east corner (which is on a slight platform with a concrete gate). There are long gasons with brushes and a statue of Monsenor Sanabria (Costa Rican archbischop). In the center is put the big two-leveled fountain with very wide foundation.
In its center since 1997 there have been high concrete pyramid surrounded by few slabs featuring the reliefs depicting the colonial life (in 2002 2.000 inhabitants called for destroying that and building on it new kiosko). The park is scattered by the benches consisting of three elements resembling the loafs of bread. The south west corner of park is planted by high shaded trees. In northern edge is placed long blue town hall of art deco style. In North-west corner stands Cinema Apollo. In eastern edge is placed the Ruina church.
The western quarter of Cartago situated on the pine forested hill of the
same name. In 1823 there happened the final battle in national war (called the
Ochomogo National War). In its result, Costa Rica entered to the Unity Provinces
of Central America. It was built in 1994 and was the first supermarket in province. It`s situated 250 meters to the north from the Cementery. It spreads on 45.595 m. Inside there are cafetaria, bakery, Pizza Hut, discotegue and the cinema.
It`s situated 3 kilometres to the south-east from Alajuela.
It`s the biggest airport in the country. It has very good bus and taxi transport
links with towns of Meseta Central. It was opened in 1958 (as international) under the name of El Coco. In the vicinity of hospital there is the famous sculpture of Francisco Zuniga "Monumento al Agricultor". (Former Palacio Municipal). It`s placed on the western side of Central Park (on calle 2). It`s two storey building with flat roof. Windows of first floor are accented by ornate frames, and ones from first floor are separated by pilasters. The first ground is partly rusticated. It used to house a town-hall.
It`s situated in front of the Central Park. It`s on cross-base, has
dome-shaped roof covered with red, corrugated metal, that is important
landmark. Its 5-sided facade is destinguished by two twin side
towers and triangular fronton. It`s distinguished by doubled pilasters and protuberant entablature.
The main entrance is a imitation of six columns. In the interior, to the
left of the altar, is a large statuary of Jesus bleeding and nailed to the
cross. Due to the earthquake in december of 1990 a dome was badly
damaged. It was repaired in 1993. (Av. Central/calle 9). It`s ornate baroque church built in
1941. Inside there is a Renaissance-like portrait of our Mother of Perpetual
Sorrow, and a brown Christus suspended above the wooden gilt-painted altar. Another statue depicts a
priest holding a cross with a miniature Jesus on it, a skull and the flovers
resting at his feet.
It`s situated at the Park Central. It was built in 1928. It`s one-storey building with arched windows separated each other by column-like corrugated pilasters, protuberant foundations, and attic in the shape of the shell. It has a side-tower, one storey higher than the rest of the building that is topped by the small dome. It has the high, arched gate.
On April is organized the Fiesta of Culture and The Day of
National Hero. On July is held 9-days long Fiesta de los Mangos that includes
arts & crafts fair and parades. On October 16th takes place the San Geronado fiesta with flower parade and performances of kids orchestras. It`s situated at avenida Central/calle2, at the southern edge of Central Park. It was built in 1889 as a Institute of Alajuela where were phisic and chemistry classes. It`s rectangular-base, two-storey building. The windows of first ground are framed by ornate trims with the keys and cut each other by pilasters. The second ground has arched-windows and is topped by flat roof accented by the mould with small butresses. The both grounds are separated by the mould on which are put the tiny iron balconies. It has been a seat of Colege of University since 1978 under the name of Calian Vargas.
It`s situated in one of the Park Gen. Elza Alfaro side. It was built in 1883. It`s long, one-storey building with two-sided roof and tall, rectangular arched windows. In the central part of the fasade there are two-sided steps led to the main entrance.
It`s situated at avenida 1/calle central at Parque Central. It`s very massive fortified building from 1874. It was renovated in 1936It`s a seat of the Ministry of Education in Alajuela. It has a protuberant, massive stone foundations with rustication. The first ground is windowsless and separated from the second storey by the elaborate mould. It has rectangular windows of first storey and the imitations of stone balconies. It`s destinguished by very fat very advanced krenela¿owa attic and the corner round bays. The building seems to be a castle.
Its building was confirmed by parliament on July 26th of
1887. It`s placed on tiny concrete Juan Santamaria Square. It`s made of bronze
and features Alajuela born national hero, who has lost his life in the battle at
Santa Rosa. He rushes forward with flaming torch and rifle. The monument is
flanked by two cannons. Around that roses are planted. There are some objections with authenticity of monument.
They say that when Costa Rica charged french sculptor with making the statue, he
got the similar proposition from Haiti government. Because of confusion, Costa
Rica monument was to move by mistake to Haiti and contrary Haiti one to Costa
Rica. The followers of that theory, as a proof point out the fact, that the
figure wears the uniform similar to those, that were used by French Legion in
island. But the management of Juan Santamaria Museum, claims that in 1852 in
Costa Rica was a Soldier Academy, and its soldiers wore the same uniforms
designs. It`s placed on the north-west corner of the Parque Central,
Avenida 3, calles Central/2 in fortress-style former prison dating from 1874.
(Prior to that the land was occupied by the hermitage dedicated to the Archangel
Saint Michael). The idea of setting up the museum was born in 1972. There are
featured exhibits from 40`s, 50`s and 60`s of XIX century (weapons, cannons,
balls, portraits, swords, historical documents and pictures related to the
battle participants against filibustier Wiliam Walker and also a XIX-century maps of Costa Rica). It`s devided into three
wings: two with permanent and one with temporary expositions. It`s covered by mango trees on which the three-toad slothes
reside (because of that Alajuela is called "the town of mango trees"). It`s
called also the square of general Tomas Guardia and has a nickname of "park of
dead doves". Around that there are a lot of XIX-century buildings with verandas
and fancy grilles. In the centre of park stands the arch-structure (so called
kiosko), where two times a week musical concerts are held and 3-leveled fountain with Cupids. Some of the park
benches have chess sets built into them. There are put also memorial plates and statues of Afrain Arrojo and Leon Fernandez Bonilla. On April 11th during the National Hero
Day celebration, parades and dances are held around that. On every July, there
is celebrated also so called Mango Festiwal. Since September 2002 it has been closing for renovation. It`s in the northern part of town, beetwen avenidas 7/9 and calles Central/1. There are the stone benches and a fountain with two stone fishes. In its norh edge is situated the one-storey Hospital San Rafael. It`s covered by the deciduous shaded trees, among which there is a Guanacaste tree. There is also a bust of Guttierez Zeledon, a composer of the national hymn. (101.000). The name literally means "sandy point". The town
is situated on 6-kilometres long, narrow peninsula stretched into Nicoya Bay.
It`s made by the currents silts. It`s 600 metres wide at its widthst point and
less than 100 metres at its other parts. It`s strategic point for ferries
running between Nicoya peninsula coast, islands in the bay and the solid land.
Sometimes it`s called "the Costa Rica Acapulco". It used to be considered also
as the "capital od weddings". In the last week of February, the Puntarenas
Carnival is held. Founded during XVIII century, in 1914 was opened for
foreign ships. In 1920 was linked with San Jose by rail. Till 1980`s was the
most important pacific port of Costa Rica. In the south part it consists of four beaches: San Isidro, Chacarita, Angostura and Pochote. Now it`s centre of fishing industry. The town`s patron is Virgin del Carmen. (In June 2002 the very seldom there tornado hit that destroying 26 houses).
It`s in the narrowest part of town (on its eastern side). There is placed the big, modern hotel Fiesta (for 310 rooms). It`s often attacked by so called "big waves".
It was set up in 1909 by the main families of China
minority. Its historical interior was compared with the buddhism temple. In
1940`s it dissapeared in mistery circumstances. The new site was built in 1949
at the First Avenida. Today there is a Taivan Liberation Party site. It`s placed in the town centre. It`s a massive, stone
building under the invocation of Heart of Jusus. It`s one naved and stoned. (The
rough rock of smooth and shiny surface was used by the peasants to sharpen their
working knives). It`s destinguished by high tower, covered with 4-sided dome. On
every of its side are put the clocks. Built in 1902 of flagstones is the only
Catholic church in the country that faces east. Modern, concrete building with accented main entrance (glassed first ground and massive wykusha of the second ground).The rest of the building is devided by very large concrete bars covering large parts of the structure.
On every year, on February has been held the carnival.
Besides on every year, on the nearest saturday of July 16th is arranged the
Fiesta of the Sea Virgin (The Day of Saint Carmen), during which there is a
parade of ornated boats with flags and lights, dances and race of vessels. It
was started in 1913 after four fishermen narrowly escaped drowning during a
storm in the Gulf of Nicoya. There are two hospitals: San Rafael and Monsenor Victor Manuel Sanabria. The first one is placed not far from the National Mole, at the corner
of The Tourist Promenade and the 9th street. The second one stands in San Isidro quarter (one of the eastermost quarter of town) close to San Isidro beach. San Rafale is no longer in use now. It is designed on quadrate base, it`s only first ground building with verandas around, arched topped windows and two-sided roof. It was built in 1852. Next to the museum stands the House of Culture (Casa de la
Cultura) with the art gallery and the point of tourist information. It exhibits turn-of-the-century photographs documenting the past prosperity of town. There are
held concerts and theater performances. In 1993 in front of house a few trees
were planted and the fountain was installed. Till today remained many characteristic, light colorful
houses. Some of them are paled partly in the water at the northern seacoast of
the town. Many of them has plank structures with lattice work below the roof to
permit the breeze. It was introduced in February 1998. It provides trainings on the coastal zone and the Bay of Nicoya. It consists among others with the laborathory of algae. It`s one-storey concrete, modern building, which central part is destinguished by row of windows stuck together. It`s sided by two concrete parts resembling the falling triangles.
Very impressive hotels and yachts clubs are situated at the
entrance to the peninsula. There the only street line is developed into 5 other
lines running paralelly until the westernmost peninsula point, where the
lighthouse and municipal swimming-pools La Punta are situated. It`s situated in the northern seaside of the
town. It`s situated in former prison building from XIX century, to the east from
the cathedral. There is presented the history of Puntarenas in audiovisual way and the fishing equipment. It`s fortresses-like building with krenela¿ topped windows. There is
featured the collection of old pictures of the town. It`s full of life palms-lined walkway. It runs along the
southern beach. It stands out of stone benches and new elaborate lights. There are a lot of night clubs, hoteles and restaurants offering
local and international meals. Along that there are also the streets vendors offering everything from artifact souvenirs to ice-creams. It spreads from the middle of the southern
coast. It`s linked by the goods train. There call the international big ferries from which the tourists are taken by the buses and travel to the interior of the country. The biggest park in the town. It`s between avenidas 1/3 calles 9/11. There is a town hall, ping-pong tables and a high water pressure tower (the last one was built in July of 1935). In its northern part there are two busts of gen. Jose Maria Canas and Juan Rafael Mora that were revealed in 1960 and a tableau from 1918 (that`s the place where both men were shot in execution).
It`s situated to the north of Cathedral. It`s one of the least park in the country. It has very narrow shape of green bordered by red benches. Next to that are placed some educational institutions (Centro Universitario, Colege of Montserrat and School of Delia Urbina de Guevara).
It`s situated next to the Port building and faces the beach and Nicoya Bay. It`s covered by concrete and consists of a monument of four cannons (each of them head for different sides of the world). On the edge of the square the streets vendors offer souvenirs and postcards.
It`s a tarase two storey construction that is situated on Paseo Leon Cortes, close to the National muelle. The second storey is surrounded by wooden tarase, that in the town side advances and is supported by a few pales. It`s topped by the mansard roof.
In north-west part of town, there is a ferry terminal, from
which ferries departure to Playa Naranjo on Nicoya peninsula. A wide concrete two storey massive building at Paseo Leon Cortes that faces the Nicoya Bay. The front wall is accented by central wide rysalite that is topped by massive stepped attic. It has big rectangular windows of second floor. The corners stands out of massive pilasters and big immitation of prolongate windows.
(76.000). Limon is the capital of the province with same
name and the most important carribbean port in Costa Rica. It handles most of
the agricultural trade. It is sited on a rock outcrop. It`s inhabited mainly by
Blacks and Mulattos. It`s placed on the rocky Punta Piuta.
Its name derives from the lemon tree, that they say used to
rise at the place being planned for town foundation (1867). (That was strange,
because that specie of tree is very seldom at that part of the country).
There is also the petroleum rafinery. Unlike other towns calles and avenidas in Limon run sequentially (avenidas are just one block away from each other). A severe earthquake
from 1991 damaged much of town. On February 24th of 2001 in Limon was born Arnoldo Josua Soto - a 4 million Tico. Golden sand beach of Bonita is situated to the north of
town and is limited by steep cliff. There are placed the most upscale hotels in
town.
It`s placed on Avenida 5/ calle5. It`s wooden and houses Social Center.
It`s placed on Avenida 4/ calle 4.
Limon is noted for celebrating the biggest in Costa Rica
carnival. It`s held on every year on 10-15 October (so called the Day of Culture
- the anniversary of discovering America by Cristopher Columb). The idea was
first brought to Limon from Panama by a local man named Arthur King. Through the
main town streets come colorfull parades. There are sophisticated constructions
set on platforms, dancers groups, choirs, music bands and crowds of clothes
changers. On Vargas Park are held concerts and different competitions (for
instance for the most crazy head-dress). The first carnival took place in 1949.
Six times during its history was canceled. The last time in 1991 due to the
catastrophic earthquake in Limon province. It unusual catedral, because it doesn`t face a square like
other Costa Rican catedral does. It`s inconspicuous, one naved with two-sloped
roof. It can resemble the elevator. It`s distinguished by low dome and corner
tower. Its walls are dotted with high, arched windows. In 2001 it was completely destroyed and in its placed is being built the new one - modern. Concrete, massive structure in art deco style. It`s devided by large pilasters between which are hiden very narrow windows with concrete bars.
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Renovated in caribbean style, have ornate verandas and
wrought-iron balconies. In the majority they are painted in pastel
colours. It covers the entire block surface. Traders put their good
on the wooden stalls. It was built in 1849. It was erected in honour of Indian leader. On July 2002 president Abel Pacheco paid the hamage under that.
It`s on the top-floor of the post-office building. In 1981 it was declared the national monument. Inside there
is a Etnographic Museum. There are expositions about history of trailway (pictures), Columb
arrivings, Indian culture. It illustrates also the influence in literature,
education, art, sports and politics that Limon men have made to Costa Rica.
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Named after a local governor. It`s situated on the sea side
in south-west quarter of the town. There are tropical shrubs, huge royal palms
encircle ornately stuccoed kiosko. On palms which often three-toad slothes are
spotted. It`s full of birds and egsotic plants. In the centre of that there is a
kiosko, designed by Cesar Riveflecha. There are also sea-facing murals by artist
Guadelupe Aluerea, depicting images of the province`s history. A bronze bust of
Christopher Columbus and his son Fernando erected in 1990 also faces the
sea. In front of the park, on the northern side, along the
Second Avenida there is a town-hall. Around are placed brightly painted
clapboards hotels and shops. A little cove full of fishing boats. Flock of vultures
gather there to feed on lobster scraps left by the local fishermen. At its
southern end there is a good point for surfers. The shore is rocky. In 1666 and 1676 there started the big pirate invasions.
The two-storey building was designed at the beginning of XX century by Cesar Rivaflech. It`s situated opposite of south-east corner of Limon`s Central Market. It`s
resplended with ice-cream-toned pink and green stucco. The second ground is destinguished by iron balconies and rectangular framed windows and the first ground stands out with ornamental arcade niches filled with large windows. On its top-floor there is a Etnohistorical Museum.
It covers the entire block in the southern quarter of
town. It`s a creamy coloured stucco two-storey town-hall, fine example of
tropical architecture with open arcades, balconies and arched windows with mascarones and pilasters. It`s
placed on the west side of the Vargas Park, a place where according to the
legend a big lemon tree that gave the name to a town stood.
It`s situated a kilometer off the Limon port. It`s the only
bigger island of caribbean coast. That was discovered by Cristopher Columb
during his fourth excursion in 1502. It consists of rock formation of coral
origin and is surrounded by large abrasion shelves. It is called sometimes "small grape" due to the fact that there grows a tree that is unique to the Caribbean and whose fruit resembles grapes. There is a biological research station.
Along the First Avenida there are old port buildings and
port administration. Now they are renovated. (74.000). It`s situated in Meseta Central, 11 kilometres
off San Jose, on the elevation of 1.150 metres a.s. It was established in 1755
and decisively the Supreme Court of Guatemala Audience confirmed that on July
1st of 1765. According to some people Heredia was first setting in 1706,
when a small chapel was founded in the vicinity. In 1717 that was moved to now
quarter of Heredia Cubujugui. It`s called "the town of flowers". There is a conviction
that it`s inhabited by the largest population of blue-eyed people in the
country. The countryside surrounding Heredia is almost completely dedicated to
growing coffee. The building was erected around 1790. (It was bought by the off that time wealthest man in the country - a trader Pedro Antonio Solares y Berros).
Later it was inhabited by his father, and until 1962 by his brother - the future president Alfaro Gonzalez Flores. It`s built of bricks on rectangular base.
It`s distinguished by high foundations with ornated "safety razors" motifs. In the fasade and the front walls stands out the veranda with wooden piles and ornate baluster. The building is topped by low "tented" roof.
Inside local art including sculpture and painting is displayed.
That was built in 1797 - 1806 in Romanesque style. It`s
situated on the Central Square. It`s built on the rectangle location. It has 76
metres of length, 19 metres of width and 8 metres of height. Its thick and squad
walls saved the whole construction against destructive earthquakes. (That`s the
reason why its style is described sometimes as a seismic baroque). It`s built of
stones stuck together by mortar from sand, mud and whites of the
eggs. It has three naved interior, devided by column rows. The
Madonna figure with neon`s aureole is destinguished. Its fasade is devided into
three entrances, and it`s flanked by two 15-metres high side towers. They are
devided into three parts separated each other by moulds and are topped by
8-sided domes. The northern one is a clock tower and the south one serve as a
bell tower (bells are imported from Cusco, Peru). In 1963 the catedral was
declared the national monument. It was erected in 1960.
It`s situated in San Francisco quarter, in the western part of town next to the road from San Joaguin. It has separated sided tower. The main construction stands out for arched niches and arcades in side walls, shell-like fronton and twosided roof supported by large stone buttresses.
Concrete structure devided by large pilasters (running up through the entire height of building). It`s accented by very large concrete bars that cover the windows. The main entrance is glassed and above is put massive, concrete wykusche.
It`s situated in the northern quarter of Heredia. It`s
surrounded by brushes and iron fences. It`s from brick and remaining of
municipal fortifications. It`s a national monument. It was designed by Fadrigue Guttierez. It`s devided into
three parts separated by moulds. The first one is four-sided cylinder, the
second one rounded with noregular window holes. The third one is eight-sided
with the four-leaved clover-like clearances. Probably that building was never completed (there is a lack
of considerable final). Architects reproached that with constructional errors
such like wrong-way peep holes, opened wider to the outside and narrow down to a
flat slit on the inside, that make easy for enemies balls to falling. There is
also conviction that was erected by order of dictator Thomas Guardia. A few historic adobe building are placed around the Central
Park, especially at the western part. They are usually one-storeyed with two sided roofs and considerable
atticks in the shapes of fences.
It`s two-storey building with rysalite central part of fasade that is slightly advanced and accented by three high gates. It`s placed at Avenida Central, in the vicinity of Cathedral. It was built in 1882. It`s distinguished by protuberant foundations and fasade cut by pilasters. The windows of both storeys are topped by ornate designs. The building is topped by slightly advanced mould. In 1977 it was declared a national monument.
It started to being constructed in 1886 for 125.000 pesos as a model copy of Cartago one. The works were supervised by Joaguin Lizano. After many dalays it was finally completed in June 1889. In 1924 the second floor was demolished by the earthquake. In 1978 its interior suffered some damages due to fire.
It`s restored XIX-century farm house, situated on the
north-east suburb of Heredia. There are featured among others old gramophones
and historic stove. On the courtyard there are many agricultural
implements. It features atlantic and pacific sea speciments. It`s
placed in The Biology Department at the National University.
It`s situated in the eastern quarter of town. That was
established in 1973. Within that a Marine Zoological Museum functiones (which
exhibits over 200 examples of Costa Rica varied marine life) and the best in
latin america veterinary faculty. There is also a vast territory of hostels
under the name of teacher Omar Dengo. At the beginning, there was organized corridas and local
fiestas. That was transformed into a park in 1889. In 1898 irritated inhabitants
have cut the trees and destroyed all the benches on that in order to be able of
having a place of making fun again. It turned to the previous (park)
appropriation in 1924.
In its central part is played a six-columned kiosko (that
seems to be too wide) with ornated attic and mould. Next to that stands a
traditional fountain - in form of "drinking glass" with two fishes rounded each
other. The park is draped with huge mango trees and palms. There are also the
stone-benches and iron-stylized lamps spheres. The grasses are separated from
pavements by iron-fences. There is put among others a bust of proffesor Solis
Salvatiern and Nicolas Ulloa. Around are situated a few historical stone and brick houses
that give the colonial character for the town. They have wooden verandas and
glassed halls. It`s placed on the north part of Central Park. It`s ornated
building, erected in 1915. It has neoclassic two storeyed facade. The
ground-floor is devided by pilasters. The middle part of mould is accentuated by
considerable attic. The main entrance stands out of three central gates framed
by Jonic columns holding up ornated balcones with arched windows.
The oldest quarter of the town. In 1717 was moved there the
chapel. A quarter of Heredia that used to be devoted for Blacks and
Mulattos. It`s separated from the centre of Heredia by the river of Pirro. In
1867 was built a bridge to which some legends are referred.
The corner house placed close to the Central Park, next to
the post-office. It was built in years 1888 - 1895 according to design of Leon
Tessier. It contains of two storeys and flat roof. It stands out of considerable
moulds between the storeys and two-sided steps at the main entrance.
It`s situated on the northern side of Central Park, next to
the post-office. That was built up in 1915 in the neoclassic style, of red
bricks, with high foundations (on that side used to be placed the older version
of town-hall of XVIII century). The facade stands out of wooden gallery with
posts holding up the roof. (40.000). The capital of Guanacaste province on the river
with the same name. Placed 140 m.a.s.l. is surrounded by ranches. It was founded
in 1769. Due to the volcanic tufas that covered the streets at XIX and the
beginning of XX centuries, it`s called "the white town". It`s a road junction.
On XII 2002 is supposed to be opened Centro Plaza one of the biggest supermarkets in Costa Rica. It was built under the name of Daniel Oduber (former president of Costa Rica). It`s called by inhabitants "the big plain". It has very modern structure and on one of its wall there is put the commemorating plate with expressing thanks for off that time president Jose Maria Figuerres Olsen (during his cadency the building of airport was finished). On the lawn in front of the structure is put one of the famous granite sphere.
Wooden building dated from XIX century, at the main square
of town. It houses Tourist Information Centre and the Cowboys Museum.
It`s a modern, concrete structure placed at the Central Square. It consists of three rectangular parts, from which the biggest one is served as the main entrance. It`s distinguished also by a separated high tower with concrete cross.
Adobe structure built in 1852 (one of the oldest catholic
church in the country), that replaced 1769 chapel. It`s situated on old square
in the eastern quarter of town. That was built on place of chapel from 1769.
It`s distinguished by protuberant rafters and heavy wooden door. There is the
Museum of Religious Sculptures. Around there is forested park. On every year on 25th of July, is celebrating Guanacaste
independence from Nicaragua with parades, horseshows, cattle auctions, rodeos,
roving marimba bands and fireworks shows. It`s placed in the south-east corner of Central Park. It was built in 1850. Since 1983 it has been the national monument. It has high foundations and low 4-sided roof which is supported by columns stuck to the concrete balustrade. It consists of adobe walls. In 1940`s it lost many of its wooden elements. It`s the first place where the himn of Annexion Guanacaste by Costa Rica has been heard (Luna Liberiana).
It`s on north-west corner of town. It has the name of Enrique
Baltodano Briceno (local famous doctor). In April of 2000 it was known because there was
saved one Canadian tourist who has fallen for three days into the crater of
Rincon de la Vieja volcano. It`s placed on Avenida 4 and calle 1/3. It`s old wooden house with fleur de lys grill work and colonial tile floor.
Liberia is destinquished by historical buildings made of
adobe bricks. The majority of them is situated along the Central Street. Some of
them have fresh restored fasades. They all have so called "the doors for sun",
that were designed at the northern corners of buildings, and make that on the
mornings and afternoons the sun rays fall into the dark interiors. They have big
rooms ornated with painted high ceilings and XIX-century murals. The kitchens to
the rear of the houses are opened onto courtyards. Its intersection linking Panamerican Highway with the main Liberia Avenida Central. Its name comes from the four different gas-stations that are put in every its corner.
It stands on the green "island" in the middle of Avenida Central, close to the entrance to the town from the Interamerican Highway (in front of the Court Building). It`s a life-style structure made of bronze and features a cowboy with raised right hand. It stands at Central Avenida, to the west of Central
Square. It`s situated in wooden Casa de la Cultura building from
XIX century, at the main square of town. The museum showcases all sorts of
memorablias from old photographs to chaps and branding irons, and gives an
insight into what life was like on the haciendas in times gone by.
It`s placed in three rooms of Police Station on Avenida 1. There is presented the part of large collection of artefacts dating from 500 BC to 1.500 AD which was donated by Daniel Oduber. It`s planned to convert the entire police station into museum. In front of the building are put some granite spheres and granite sculptures.
It`s properly called Parque Mario Canas Ruiz (there is a statue of him). It`s put
between avenidas Central and First and the Streets Central and Second. It`s
dominated by modern church of Heart of Jesus invocation and 8-columned domed kiosko. It`s ringed by tall
palms and is dotted with colorful benches. It`s placed next to the Iglesia La Agonia between Avenidas Central/1 and calles 9/11. In 2001 took place there the Festival de las Artes.
(Commandancia). It`s placed on Avenida 1 and in its three rooms there is the Museum Regional. It`s planned to entirely convert that into museum. In front of the building there are several granite stones and granite sculptures.
It was built in 1936. It has four corner towers.
It was named for the former president of Costa Rica. There used to be tought local famous doctor Enrique Baltodano Briceno.
It`s placed between avenidas 5/7 and calles 6/8.
It`s on the north-west corner of town.Banco National
Barrio Amon
Barrio Coca Cola
Barrio Cuba
Barrio Don Bosco
Barrio Escalante
Barrio Los Yoses
Barrio Mexico
Barrio Otoya
Barrio Rohrmoster
Barrio San Pedro
Barrio San Sebastian
Barrio Uruca
Boulevard of Ricardo Jimenez Oreamuno
Building of CAJA
Castle of Bishop
Cathedral Metropolitana
Central Market
Church of Dolorosa
Church of El Carmen
Church of La Merced
Church of La Soledad
Church of Santa Teresita
Cinema Variedades
Colegio de Senoritas
El Pueblo-the shopping centre
Embassy of Mexico building
Factory of Liquor
Hospital of San Juan de Dios
Hotel del Rey
Hotel Gran
Hotel La Aurora
Hotel Santo Tomas
Hotel Barcelo Amon Plaza
House of Jara
House of Green
House of Matute
House of Yellow
Legislative Asembly
Liceo of Costa Rica
Metal building
Museum of Children
Museum of Jades
Museum of Atlantic Railway
Museum of Indigenous Art
Museum of Criminology
Museum of Costa Rican Art
Museum Nacional
Museum of Natural Science
Museum of Contemporary Art
Museum of Numismatic
Museum of Gold
Museum of Printing
National Monument
Park Central
Park of Braulio Carillo
Park of Francisco Morazan
Park of Spain
Park of La Sabana
Park Nacional
Park of Diversiones
Park of Peace
Park of Democracy
Park of Peace
Post-office
Serpentary
Spirogyra-The butterfly garden
Square of Culture
Square of Gonzalez Viquez
Square of Guarantees Sociales
Square of Libertad
Square of Juan Mora Fernandez
Street scheme
Temple of Music
Templo Biblico
Tenement-house of La Guardia
Tenement-house of Bishop
Tenement-house of Knorr
Tenement-house of KLM
Tenement-house of Herdocia
Tenement-house of Granary
Tenement-house of Knorr
Tenement-house of Arab
Tenement-house of Honey-cake
Tenement-house of Las Acacias
Theater Melico Salazar
Theater National
Zoological Park
Cartago
Barrio El Molino
Basilique of Los Angeles
Colegio of San Luis Gonzaga
Colegio Vocacional de Artes y Oficios
Drugstore Residencial Molino
Hospital Max Peralta
Houses and the streets
House of Club de Jardines
Monument Manuel Salazar Zunca
Museum of Etnography
Park of Jesus Jimenez
Ruin
Square of Independence
Square of National Sanctuary
Square Major
Suburb of Ochomogo
Supermarket Mas o Menos
Alajuela
Airport of Juan Santamaria
Casa de la Cultura
Cathedral
Church of La Agonia
Church of Methodists
Events
Colege of University
Hospital of San Rafael
The ministery of education
Monument of Juan Santamaria
Museum of Juan Santamaria
Park Central
Park of Gen. Elza Alfaro
Puntarenas
Barrio Angostura
Building of China Association
Cathedral
Court building
Events
Hospital San Rafael
House of Culture
Houses
Laborathory of Marine Biology
Lighthouse and the swimming pool La Punta
Municipal Market
Museum of Sea
The tourist promenade
National Mole
Park Mora and Canas
Park Victoria
Square of Cannons
Port building
Terminal of ferries
University College of Puntarenas
Limon
Bonita beach
Building Black Star Line
Building Radio Casino
Carnival
Cathedral
Court building
Hospital Tony Facio
Houses
Market Place
Monument of Pablo Presbere
Museum Etnohistorical
Park Asis
Park of Vargas
Portete Beach
Post office
Stadium
Town-hall
Uvita island
Warehouses and port buildings
Heredia
Casa de La Cultura
Cathedral of Immaculate Concepcion
Church Los Angeles
Church San Francisco
Court building
El Fortin Tower
Houses
Liceo of Heredia
Mercado Central
Museum of Popular Culture
Museum of Marine Biology
National University
Park Central
Post-office
Quarter of Cubujugui
Quarter of La Puebla
School of Argentina
Town-hall
Liberia
Airport
Casa de la Cultura
Church of Jesus Heart
Church La Agonia
Events
Gobernacion
Hospital Enrique Baltonado
Hotel Ciudad Blanca
Houses
Intersection of four gas-stations
Monument of Cowboy
Museum of Cowboys
Museum Regional
Parque Central
Parque Hector Zuniga
Police Station
Prison
School of Ascencion Esquivel
Square of Los Angeles
Stadium