throughout san josé

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SITES
THROUGHOUT SAN JOSÉ
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San José Sites
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SAN JOSÉ SITIES
an José is the political and economic
center of the country, comprising more
than half of the country’s business and
services. It is a city with an interesting mix
of history and modernization. Although
the downtown area is almost uninhabited
by residents, it is a stop-over point that sees more
than one million people a day, where people from the
metropolitan area and visitors converge. It is a hub
made up of many points of interest, as well as faces
and colors that reflect the history of our people.
1. The Legislative Assembly
The Congress or Parliament, here
known as the Legislative Assembly,
is the first power of the republic. Its
location is spread between various
neighboring buildings, among
those are: the old Sión school, the
Blue House, the Casa Rosada de los
Salazar and the Plenary Building, all
with a rich history. They were designed at
first with distinct purposes in mind. Then they
were used as the presidential house, and now they
house the offices of some 57 officials and their advisors.
2. The Blue House
This served as the presidential house
during the presidential term of Alfredo
González Flores, General Federico
Tinoco, and Licenciate Julio Acosta .
Open to the public: Mondays to
Fridays, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tel: 2243-2000
Guided tours 2243-2545, ext. 2546
USEFUL ADVICE!
For helpful information, call 800-Turismo
(800-868-7476 / 800-887-4766)
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SAN JOSÉ SITIES
3. The National Museum
This museum researches and preserves
the cultural and natural heritage
and shares its history. The tour
encompasses the following rooms:
Pre-Colombian History, where
you can learn about the lifestyles of
ancient cultures from 12,000 B.C.
until the arrival of the Spanish; Indigenous
Gold; Native History, where a synopsis is
presented of Costa Rica’s development up to the
present; the Colonial House, where you can view a dining
room and a bedroom that show the austere characteristics of
Colonial houses in Costa Rica; and a Butterfly garden.
Open to the public: Tuesdays to Sundays: 8:30 a.m. a 4:30 p.m.
Tel.: (506) 2257-1433 • www.museocostarica.go.cr
4. Our Lady of Solitude Church
Our Lady of Solitude Church was
constructed in the middle of the
19th century, becoming a driving
force within the population in the
southeast part of the city. It is a distinguished structure built with limestone in baroque style and is one of the
most representative structures of the 19th
century that is still intact.
5. The San Pancracio House
Located south of the Church of Solitude, the structure, known as the San
Pancracio House, was the residence of the Pacheco Zamora family and
has cultural significance. The residency was built at the end of the 19th
century and was reconstructed at the end of 1920, after a fire. The
structure is a bahareque with stone and brick baseboard and with internal
wood walls. The building houses large rooms and sun rooms. It was
acquired in 1996 by the Costa Rican International Monuments Council,
making it its permanent residence.
6. Dr. Rafael Angel Calderón Guardia Statue
(Social Guarantee Plaza) 1900-1970
A doctor, councilor, and Congressional official, he was elected
president of the Republic in 1940. He promoted important social
reforms in his time. An elections fraud provoked an armed
conflict that kept him in exile for 14 years. He was
named “Benemérito de la Patria.”
7. Colegio Superior de Señoritas
(High School for Girls)
Colegio Superior de Señoritas,
founded in 1888, is one of the
first State buildings established to
develop a higher learning plan that
marked the beginning of Costa Rican
women’s development and has been
fully carried out. Years of effort have
prepared valuable intellectuals in our
society, making it one of the leading learning
centers for years after. It is a building of great
architectural value, a style that defined Costa Rican construction
at the end of the 19th century. The facade is Doric order, overlaid
with Corinthian order made from stone. The facade is perfectly
balanced, vertically as well as horizontally, which are classical
elements of the renaissance.
8. The Central Bank Museums
Located on the lower level of the Culture
Plaza, it is an underground cultural center.
It offers five unique exhibitions including
the Pre-Colombian Gold Museum, one
of the few of its kind that has a large
collection of gold artifacts, which reflect
the world vision, the social structure, and
the metallurgy of the Pre-Colombian people of
Costa Rica. Visitors can also view the Currency
Museum and enjoy its extraordinary collection
of paper bills, coins, coffee tokens, die stamps, as well as other
documents and photographs. Three temporary exhibition galleries
offer the visitor the chance to experience visual arts, archaeology,
and history of Costa Rica.
Tel.: 2243-4202 • Fax: 2243-4220
www.museosdelbancocentral.org
Hours: Mondays to Sundays, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
SAN JOSÉ SITIES
9. The National Theater
A symbol of European aspirations of
the liberal coffee society, the National
Theater was built at the end of the
19th century by means of a heavy tax
on coffee production. The monumental
architecture, the picturesque works of
art, and sculptures by highly acclaimed
artists (mainly Italians), the tastefulness and
visible meticulousness of this national jewel when
completed, clashed with the underdevelopment of the country of
those times. In Europe, it was said that Costa Rica was “a village,
surrounded by a National Theater.”
Open: Mondays to Saturdays, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Events: See marquee.
Tel: (506) 2221-3756 / 2221-9417 • Fax (506) 2223-4990
10. The Maestro Juan Mora Fernández Statue
(In front of the National Theater) 1748-1854
A maestro, judge, and politician during the
Independence era and first Chief of State from 18241833, he was declared “Benemérito de la Patria”
in 1848.
11. The Arcades
Declared an Architectural Monument
on April 22, 1975, it is located next
to Hotel Costa Rica and in front of
the National Theater. It was built
at the end of the 19th century and
beginning of the 20th century to add
to the landscape of the neighboring
buildings. Next to it is the Dent walkway,
which was the commercial center of the
times.
12. Knohr Building
Knohr building is one of the few examples of neoclassical
architecture within the downtown area. It represents the
collaborative efforts of the business oriented Bourgeois
and the financing of the German immigrants that
came to Costa Rica starting in 1840. It represents the
introduction of solid concrete in structures of this era, a
technological innovation.
13. The Metropolitan Cathedral
At the end of the 18th century, the chapel
of San José de la Boca del Monte, the
name of the capital back then, was
moved to where the cathedral is today.
Made of mud walls and a straw roof
in the beginning, it developed into
a concrete structure with Salomonic
columns. After having suffered
damage from tremors and earthquakes,
it was remodeled and converted into the
Metropolitan Cathedral that it is today, along
with its additions at the north end where El Sagrario Chapel is,
and the Metropolitan Curia to the south.
Tel.: (506) 2258-1015 / 2221-3820 • Fax: (506) 2221-2427.
14. John Paul II
This Carrara (Italy) marble piece
was sculpted by Jorge Jiménez
Deredia. The artist sought to
express the human aspect and close
relationship that Pope John Paul
II had with people. It was placed
on the north end of the
Metropolitan Cathedral on
September 30, 2006.
Central Park
USEFUL ADVICE!
Your passport is unique: Take care of it! Always
carry a copy of your passport with you and keep
the original in a hotel lock box along with your
money, jewels, and valuables.
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SAN JOSÉ SITIES
15. Central Park
In 1868, in light of the recently
inaugurated water system in San
José, a fountain was erected in the
main San José plaza, sheltered by
metal beams brought from England.
In 1885, the park was remodeled
again in order to improve the look of
the urban landscape of the capital and
was converted into Central Park. The park is
the heart of the city where the country’s highways
come together and thousands of pedestrians use it as their
starting point en route to their daily activities.
16. The Street Sweeper
Made by the sculptor, Edgar
Zúñiga, it was erected in
Central Park in 2003. It is in
honor of all the city workers in
San José, who we see
cleaning the city’s parks
and streets.
17. Melico Salazar Popular Theater
Its construction was completed in
1928 by the designer José Fabio
Garnier. In the beginning it was
called Raventós Theater, because
of the last name of the owner, and
it offered motion-picture shows.
In the 1980s, to offer homage to
Manuel “Melico” Salazar, one of the
most recognized Costa Rican opera stars,
its name was changed as well as the type of
shows, making room for more popular art forms.
Theater: Guided tours by appointment.
Events: See marquee.
Tel.: (506) 2221-4952 / 2233-5424
18. Carvajal Tristán Bank
The structure is occupied by Carvajal Tristán Bank (BCT).
It was built at the end of the 19th century and is a great
example of the influence of Art Nouveau on Costa Rican
structures of the time. The building, made of brick with beautiful finished
woodwork inside, adds to the attractiveness of Barrio
Carmen and is presently one of the few examples of this
type of architecture that still exists in San José.
19. La Chola
This bronze work of art was
made by the artist Manuel
Vargas as part of the “Art
in Public Space” project,
sponsored by the City of San
José since 2003. “La Chola”
was erected in 2004.
20. Monument to the farmer
This work of art by Fernando Calvo is dedicated to
the man of the earth, the backbone of the country,
the untiring worker
that has always been
among us, the farmer
of the Central Valley. It
received the “Aquileo
Echeverría”
award
from the Ministry of
Culture, Youth,
and Sports in
1982.
USEFUL ADVICE!
When changing your money, use banks or
authorized money exchange outlets. For
bank transactions, you will have to present
your original passport.
SAN JOSÉ SITIES
21. The Costa Rican Post Office
Made from solid concrete with an eclectic
style and notable French influence, the
Mail and Telegraph building was built
between 1914 and 1917 by the architect
Luis Llach. It is a monumental and elegant
structure with beautiful spires and a main
entrance with narrow cupolas. Presently,
apart from the Post Office, it houses the Stamp
Museum that allows tourists to learn about the
development of the Costa Rican Postal Service.
Open to the public: Mondays to Fridays, from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturdays, from 6:30 a.m. to 12 noon
Tel.: (506) 2223-1969 • Fax: (506) 2233-5182
24. The Central Market
After the transformation of the Main
Plaza into Central Park, a place
known as the “New Plaza” was
chosen as the San José market
place. The structure has undergone
many transformations, but it hasn’t
lost its most important aspect: a
melting pot of cultures within the
Costa Rican society and a daily symbol
of its cultural heritage that brings together,
day to day, the traditional and the modern.
Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Mondays to
Saturdays.
Tel.: (506) 2295-6104
22. The Museum of Stamps and Currency of Costa Rica
The Stamp Museum was created to share and display cultural
products of the Mail System, highlighting the development of
the various communication systems, as well as displaying the
history of the national and international stamp. It is visited by a
large number of foreigners and nationals alike, especially student
groups, of all levels.
Hours: Visitors can participate in project activities such as stamp
exchanges, demonstrations and stamp shows, stamp collecting
courses and advising, as well as educational support.
Tel.: (506) 2223-6918 / 2223-9766 Extension 204-205
Hours: Mondays to Fridays, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
23. The Juan Rafael Mora Porras Monument
(In front of the Post Office) 1814-1860
He was a coffee grower and president of the Republic from
1849-1859 when its independence was recognized by Spain.
He encouraged the fight against the Filibusters during the
National Campaign from 1856-1857. In 1858 he managed
to establish the border with Nicaragua. He was named
“Benemérito de la Patria” in 1850.
The monument represents several ideas: the hard-working
laborers on the north end and the campaign of 1856 on the
south end. There are also two figures: to the east, a
woman who symbolizes science and, to the west, a
man who symbolizes liberty.
USEFUL ADVICE!
Only use ATMs in public and well-lit places.
Discourage help from strangers. Withdraw your
money and count it before leaving.
Barrio Amón Walkway
T
his hundred year old barrio has survived in the
heart of the capital in spite of the time. It has been
declared by the City of San José as a protected
zone and a barrio with great architectural history,
together with Barrio Otoya and Aranjuez. The formation of Barrio
Amón at the end of the 19th century was part of the growth process
of San José that took place in the last few decades of that century.
Access to San José was through the Atlantic Railroad system, as the
main source of communication. National Park and Morazán Park were
considered recreational parks and the new bourgeois settled in around
the area. The Frenchman, Amón Fasileau – Duplautier was the first to
start construction within the urban elite neighborhood: Barrio Amón.
Today you can appreciate the beautiful homes in the area where some
descendents of those families that originally established themselves
still reside. Other homes have been converted into hotels, hostels, or
restaurants, all the while preserving the beautiful architecture.
1. The Rafael Ángel Calderón Museum
This museum is in charge of preserving,
recovering, and sharing the legacy of
the social reforms achieved between
1940 and 1944 by the ”Benemérito de
la Patria,” Dr. Calderón Guardia. There
are four historical rooms that recreate the
life and work of the ex-president, and an
art gallery for seasonal exhibits.
Tel.: 2222-6392 / 2255-1218 Fax: 22572396
www.mcjdcr.go.cr/patrimonio/museo_calderon_guardia.html
Hours: Mondays to Saturdays, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
2. The Atlantic Railroad Station
The Atlantic Railroad system, built
between 1871 and 1890, facilitated
access to European markets, a link that
had been made difficult because of the
Puntarenas port. The railroad station
started operations in San José during
the 1870s, but it wasn’t until 1908 when
the present day structure was built. After the
railway system ceased, it went on to house
the Museum of Shapes, Space, and Sounds, which
has an interactive design for those with disabilities so that they may
experience art in a unique way. However, it is presently closed and
undergoing change.
£Ó
BARRIO AMÓN WALKWAY
3. The General Tomás Guardia Jiménez Bust
(Atlantic Railroad Station) 1831-1882
A military man who participated in the Campaign of
1856, he was president of the Republic from 1870 to
1882. He campaigned for the construction of the
Atlantic Railroad system, contributed to education,
and abolished the death penalty.
4. The National Park
A landmark that goes back to the
19th century, the National Park
contains the National Monument
dedicated to the heroic deeds
of the 1856-1857 War against
the expansionist and enslavement
ideals in Central America of the
filibuster, William Walker. It is a key
point on the street where the station is
located, Third Avenue, that runs from the Atlantic
Railroad Station to Morazán Park, which was called
“Ladies” walkway, not for the ladies, but rather for the
name of the trees (Las Damas).
5. The National Cultural Center (CENAC),
the old National Liquor Factory
By the year 1850, president Juan
Rafael Mora Porras, established the
National Liquor Factory (FANAL) to
improve revenues to the National
Treasury and dissuade underground
clear brandy production. The simplicity
of the facade’s design and internal floor
plan, gave the building a colonial feel. It
presently houses the offices of the Ministry of
Culture, Youth, and Sports, as well as the “1887”
theaters, FANAL, the Costa Rica Association, and the Museum
of Contemporary Art and Design.
Open: Mondays to Fridays, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Theaters: See programming.
Tel: (506) 2255-3638 / 2255-3376 Fax: (506) 2256-6722
www.mcjdcr.go.cr
6. Museum of Contemporary Art and Design
Located in the National Liquor
Factory’s old rum warehouse, it
stands out for its stone walls,
boarded by cedar wood almost a
meter thick. There are six exhibition
rooms displaying permanent and
seasonal collections. It also offers
innovative ideas within contemporary
art and design, a library, a video library,
film circles and discussions about presentday creativity, nationally and internationally, and an
archives on Central American art.
Open to the public:
Tuesdays to Saturdays, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Tel.: (506) 2257-9370. Fax: (506) 2257-8702
E-mail: madc@ice.co.cr • www.madc.ac.cr
7. The Inter-American Apartments
This building was constructed near the
end of the 19th century out of brick to
be used as a mill for the production
of wheat flour. The structure was
known as Molino Victoria and was
acquired by ex-president Rafael
Yglesias Castro and then converted
into a coffee mill during the first few
decades of the 20th century. In the
1940s it was remodeled as a home for the
engineer Francisco Jiménez Ortiz. The building
has architectural and decorative characteristics reminiscent of
Neocolonial and Neoclassical design, which were typical in
Costa Rican construction during the first half of the 20th century.
It is representative of the structures of that time with great
architectural and historical value.
USEFUL ADVICE!
Keep your belongings within sight and reach.
If you use public transportation, avoid being
careless.
BARRIO AMÓN WALKWAY
8. The Jiménez Apartments
This building is a valuable structure
designed by the architect Teodorico
Quirós and constructed by the engineer
José Francisco Jiménez Ortiz in the
beginning of the 1940’s. It is a building
that brings together basic European trends
in architectural design, apparent within
structures in the country from the end of the
19th century until the middle of the 20th century.
This building is representative of the structures of that
time with great architectural and historical value.
10. The Jade Museum
Located on the lower level of the National Insurance Institute
(Instituto Nacional de Seguros, INS), the Jade museum exhibits the
largest collection of Pre-Colombian Jade in the Americas. Presently,
it has a modern exhibition room floor plan, allowing national
and foreign visitors easier access to the rich archeological wealth
that this museum holds, preserves, and displays. The collection
contains artifacts in ceramic, stone, bone, shell, wood, and
other materials in its permanent, as well as its seasonal exhibition
rooms.
Tel.: 2287-6034 • Fax: 2255-3456 • www.portal.ins-cr.com
Hours: Mondays to Fridays, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Saturdays, from 09:00 a.m. to 1:00 pm.
9. The Yellow House, the Foreign
Ministry.
In 1912, Andrew Carnagie donated
funds to build the San José branch of the
Central American Justice Court, which
was completed in 1916. The new
building’s facade has an ornate lintel
with baroque influence. When the Court
was dissolved in 1919, the building was
passed to the hands of the State. At times,
it was the Presidential House and housed the
Legislative Assembly for a few months. However, from
its inception to the present, “the Yellow House” as it is popularly
known, has principally been the home of the Foreign Ministry
(formerly the Secretary). The building also houses the “Marqués
Manuel María Peralta” Museum, who was one of the most
important Costa Rican diplomats.
Open to the public: Mondays to Fridays, from 8:00 a.m. to
4:00 p.m.
Guided tours: once a week, by appointment.
Tel.: (506) 2223-7555 / Telefax: (506) 2257-9062
£È
11. The Family Monument
Located at the entrance to the National Insurance Institute, it was created
by the Costa Rican sculptor Francisco
Zúñiga at the request of the Executive President of the institution. It represents a busy, hard working,
and humble family. It was
unveiled in April, 1978.
12. Spain Park
Also known as Expression Park, it is one of the city’s oldest
parks. It forms an architectural bond with the Buenaventura
Corrales School and the National Liquor Factory building.
It is outlined by wide paths. Painters and national artists
used to come together on Sundays to sell or create their
works of art.
13. The Rafael Barroeta Baca Bust
(Spain Park) 1813-1880. He was
a member of the Republic’s Board
organizers. He was to hand down his
wealth to his offspring, but because he
didn’t have any, the Housing Ministry
managed his funds which were used
for young people. He was
considered a benefactor for
the youth.
BARRIO AMÓN WALKWAY
14. The Lic. Tomás Soley
Güell Bust
(Spain Park) 1875-1943.
Completing his studies in Europe,
he held various public offices and
headed
two
newspaper
publications of the time. He
fought for liberal principles
and the common good.
15. Effigy of General Francisco Morazán
(Morazán Park) 1792-1842
A Honduran patriot and statesman, he was the most illuminating
figure of the Federalist cause in Central America in the first half
of the 19th century. Exiled in South America, he sought
help in overthrowing Braulio Carillo and took over as
Chief of State, but a revolt overthrew him.
16. The Metal Building
The Metal Building is a symbol of
the public education system pushed
forward by the liberal Costa Rican
State at the end of the 19th century.
Just like Morazán Park, it was
constructed over a swamp, which was
filled and dried, by means of a contract
signed with a Belgium factory. It was
constructed with iron that was brought by
sea in pieces to be assembled in the country.
Since the beginning of the 20th century, this building
has housed two primary schools under names associated with
education, Buenaventura Corrales and Julia Lang.
For more information:
Tel.: (506) 2222-0026 / Fax: (506) 2257-9661
17. Morazán Park and the Music Chapel
Morazán Park was the heart of San José
social and political life at the end of
the 19th century, and it was where,
for decades, New Year celebrations
were held until they were moved to
González Víquez Plaza in 1930.
A very traditional activity was the
“Saludo” that San Jose residents would
do on New Years, as well as the popular
musical concerts in the city. For this reason, in
1920 a better building was erected with improved
architecture and acoustics, named the Music Chapel.
18. The Lic. Julio Acosta García Monument
(Morazán Park) 1872-1954
He held various public posts including President of the
Republic from 1920-1924. During his term he stabilized
the currency, and created the Comptroller General
of the Republic in order to control public spending. He
also established the Land and Colonization Law,
which helped families with limited resources. He
participated in the meeting that formed the UN.
19. The Lic. Mauro Fernández Acuña Bust
(Morazán Park) 1843-1905
He was the maestro that designed the learning system in Costa
Rica. He proposed a re-structuring of the State, which
would make it responsible for education. He was declared
“Benemérito de la Patria” in 1955.
USEFUL ADVICE!
USEFUL ADVICE!
If you use taxi services, make sure that it
shows the yellow triangles on the doors
and that it has a working meter.
In case of emergency, call 911
from any phone.
Morazán Park
Metal building
BARRIO AMÓN WALKWAY
20. Jiménez de la Guardia House
In Costa Rica, the influence of modernism known as Art
Nouveau, gave rise to a small number of buildings in San
José and this old residence is one of the few examples of this
architectural movement that remain in the capital. This old
residence, belonging to the Jiménez de la Guardia family, was
designed by its first owner, the Lic. Manuel Francisco Jiménez
Ortiz, and was built in 1905. Because of the earthquake in
1924, the second floor was re-built. Lic. Manuel Francisco
Jiménez Ortiz, who resided in the house, was a noted Costa
Rican lawyer and diplomat who undertook posts inside and
outside of the country and was the worthy recipient of various
awards from other Latin American countries. This residence
has an architectural value evident in its materials, construction
methods, and in the great ornamental detail inside as well as
outside where fruit and floral themes, as well as human features
in the facades, stand out.
21. The Franco-Costa Rican Cultural
Alliance
The building was constructed at
the end of the 19th century and
has a large Victorian influence.
It is a structure that harmoniously
combines different construction
techniques of the time. You can
observe the use of metals, brick,
and wood, carefully elaborated to
make it an urban landmark within San
José development. It forms part of the AmónOtoya ensemble, currently the best example of
residential architecture in San José at the end of the 19th
century and the beginning of the 20th century. This building
led to the development of a wider cultural interest for several
decades, which benefited the metropolitan population.
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22. The Moro Castle
Situated in Barrio Amón, it was built
in the first half of the 20th century.
It is the best example of Mudejar
architecture in the country.
Its spaciousness and unique
architectural
characteristics
make the building stand out from
its surroundings and an urban
landmark in Barrio Amón.
23. Children’s Museum
The Costa Rican Center of Science and
Culture: “The foundation helps us help
each other.” Visitors will be impressed
by the building’s architectural design,
dating back to the beginning of the
20th century when it used to serve as
the central penitentiary. It was opened
in 1994 and is popularly known as
the Children’s Museum. It is the first
interactive museum in Central America.
It covers themes related to science, history,
technology, and the arts. Visitors can also tour the National
Art Gallery, which is located next to the museum, along with
the Youth Knowledge Complex. Visitors can also participate in
events presented in the National Auditorium.
Tel.: (506) 2258-4929 • Fax: 2223-3470
www.museocr.com
Hours: School year: Tuesdays to Fridays, from 8:00 a.m. to
4:30 p.m.
Saturdays and Sundays, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Ó£
Paseo Colón Walkway
T
he wide walkway along Paseo
Colón and Sabana covers one of
the most beautiful areas of the
city, where you can find important
business centers, health centers, and houses
that were built in the second half of the 20th
century for wealthy families that gave the area
a modern and elegant look. Later however, they
moved to less commercial and quieter areas.
At the end of Paseo Colón is Sabana Park,
which stands out among the local metropolitan
communities because of its proximity and large
area dedicated to recreation. People are drawn
to the many attractions it offers, as well as its
ample space and easy access.
1. The National Insurance Institute
“La Merced Offices”.
The National Insurance Institute
build was constructed during
1930-1933. It is one of the
richest and most intriguing
examples of the use of Art Deco
plastic in Costa Rica. It was
ahead of its time representing the
desire for change and renovation that
the urban society wanted at the time. It is
an example of incorporation, interpretation, and a
coming together of formal foreign influences that makes
this building a textbook for construction methods, like
the use of cyclopean foundation, reinforced concrete
support structure, and ferrocement paneling, nowadays
considered historical and exceptional.
It is an architectural achievement that acts as a
fundamental key for studying and analyzing the history
of 20th century architecture in the country. The building is testimony of an era when San José
expanded to and centered on the west side, along with
other contemporary buildings, like the old Firehouse
(1932) and the old airport in La Sabana (1940), which
is now the Costa Rican Art Museum.
ÓÓ
WALKWAY ALONG PASEO COLÓN AND SABANA
2. La Merced Church
A group of neighbors in San José
decided to raise a prayer chapel
dedicated to the Virgin of Mercy
in 1816. The land chosen for such
an endeavor was donated by a
Presbyterian, last name Chacón, and
was adjacent to the Tobacco Factory
in the center of town. It was finished in
1819. In 1824, the members of the First
Constitutional Congress of the Free State of
Costa Rica were sworn in.
The same chapel functioned as a “political prison” for the
image of the Virgin of Los Angeles that the people of Cartago
left behind in the Curridabat church after losing the League
War. It was Francisco Morazán who made the decision to
return “the very noble and loyal Virgin” in 1842.
On December 30, 1888, a violent quake shook the city
and among those buildings damaged was the La Merced
church. They planned to reconstruct it, but on a bigger area
where the city theater was.
The Neo-gothic star. The current design is the work of
engineer Lesmes Jiménez Bonnefil, and architect Jaime
Carranza. Construction began on June 17, 1894. The
temple is in Neo-gothic style. Its only central tower reflects
German Gothic influence. The paintings on the columns are
by Italian Adriano Arié and date back to 1920. The flat
ceiling of La Merced is natural mahogany, and the mosaic
was made by the first mosaic factory in the country.
3. The Statue of Licenciate Braulio Carrillo Colina
(La Merced Park) 1800-1845
He was a lawyer, judge, politician, and Chief of State
(1835-1837, 1838-1842) who separated Costa Rica from
the Central American Federal Republic and declared
Costa Rica independent on November 15, 1841. He
was named ”Benemérito de la Patria” in 1971.
4. San Juan de Dios Hospital
The construction of San Juan de Dios
Hospital took place in the second half
of the 19th century. Its construction
was made possible by the effort of the
ecclesiastical sector, the government,
and the great collaboration of various
barrios and communities within the
Central Valley. These buildings were
the only health center for several decades
that could care for any individual in Costa Rican
society. Its invaluable architectural sum is composed of several
construction techniques, like Neoclassical and Art Deco style,
among others. Various outstanding Costa Rican engineers and
architects were involved in the construction of these buildings,
such as León Tessier, Augusto Fla-Chebba, José Francisco
Salazar and José María Barrantes.
5. The Costa Rican Art Museum
This museum holds around 6,400
different pieces of art, the majority
from national artists, from the 19th
century until the present. Besides
the expositions, it engenders critical
thought about national art within an
international context. The exhibition
layout is located in the old international
airport built in 1940. It has galleries such
as the “Sculpture Gardens” and “The Golden
Room” where various cultural events are held and segments of the
country’s history are laid out in bas-relief. The MAC supplements
these events by means of conferences open to the public.
Tel.: (506) 2222-7155 • Fax: 2222-724.7 Ext. 118
www.musarco.go.cr •
Hours: Tuesdays to Fridays, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.,
Saturdays and Sundays, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
*Sundays free.
USEFUL ADVICE!
For complaints against tourist services,
call 2299-5800 or at 22915762.
E-mail: quejas@ict.go.cr
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WALKWAY ALONG PASEO COLÓN AND SABANA
6. The Lic. León Cortés Castro
Monument. 1882-1946
9. Monument dedicated to the Journalist Otilio Ulate Blanco
(Southwest corner of la Sabana) 1891-1973
He held various publics offices
and stood out as president of the
Republic (1932-1936) for
the different infrastructures
he created.
A journalist, a city official of San José, and the president of the
Republic from 1949-1953, his government was characterized
by his honest handling of public funds. He created the Central
Bank and the important laws related to the economic
well being of the country. He was named ”Benemérito
de la Patria” in 1974.
7. La Sabana Metropolitan Park
What is today known as La Sabana
Park was declared a historical
landmark on January 30, 2001. It
was donated by the priest, Manuel
Antonio Chapuí de Torres, in 1783,
as a recreational place for Costa
Ricans.
On March 22, 1834, Costa Rica
authorized the City of San José to make several
lots available, which were in the area of “Mata Redonda”. By
1953, executive powers decreed on June 16 that La Sabana
area be called, from then on out, “the sports and recreational
city.” Currently La Sabana includes the National Gymnasium
Stadium where important sports events and activities have
been held. It also includes soccer fields, tennis courts,
basketball courts, baseball diamonds, and an Olympic-size
pool. It is a recreational area where citizens play sports and
families gather together on the weekends.
8. The ICE History and Technology
Museum
Located 4 blocks north of the central
ICE offices, Sabana north, the
museum’s goal is to share the history
and development of the electrical
and telecommunications services,
highlighting the ICE’s technological
and socioeconomic contributions to the
country.
Tel.: (506) 2220-7656 / 2220-6387
Fax: 2290-4896 • www.grupoice.com
Hours: Mondays to Fridays, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
10. La Salle Natural Science Museum
Located within the Ministry of
Agriculture and Livestock building
in La Sabana south, the museum
possesses various displays of historic
and scientific significance. It has
more than 70,000 displays on exhibit
in areas such as Paleontology, Geology,
Malacology (some 14,000 samples),
Invertebrates (a unique collection of some 14,000
specimens), fish, reptiles, birds, and mammals. A trip through
this museum is worth the experience.
Tel.: (506) 2232-1306 • Fax: 2232-5179
Hours: Mondays to Saturdays, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sundays: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
11. Rafael Francisco Osejo School
Located on the southwest side
of la Sabana Park, the school
is a beautiful structure of solid
concrete and brick, built in
1940. Its architectural style is
simple and reflective of some
Victorian style elements. The school
goes by the name Rafael Francisco
Osejo, a very influential Nicaraguan
within the Costa Rican educational system
at the beginning of the 19th century, who was the first
director of the Saint Tomas Learning Center. It is the only
school still operating in the district.
Costa Rica Tourism Institute
Tourist Services Department
La Uruca, next to the Juan Pablo II bridge
PO Box 777-1000 San José
Tel.: (506) 2299-5800
Central Offices Information Center:
Tels.: (506) 2291-5764 / 2299-5800 ext.408
Fax: (506) 2291-5720
E-mail: info@visitcostarica.com
Culture Plaza Information Office
5th street, Second avenue and Central • Tel/Fax: (506) 2222-1090
E-mail: ictplazacultura@ice.co.cr
Juan Santamaría Airport Counter
Tel.: (506) 2443-1535 • Fax: (506) 2443-2883
E-mail: ictaeropuerto5@ice.co.cr
Créditos
Ximena Espinach, Departamento de Servicio al Turista - ICT
Fotografías: Municipalidad de San José
Textos: Ministerio de Cultura el ICT
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