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San Jose

Culture of San Jose. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

San Jose is the city of centuries-old history carefully keeping landmarks and artifacts of the past and being extremely proud of its culture. To learn the history and culture of the country tourists are recommended to visit the San Jose National Museum which is housed in a marvelous ancient fortress Bella Vista. Many important decisions were made within the walls of this grand historical construction. A collection of the museum is rather rich and presents objects of art, significant historical documents and handicrafts of local folks.
Tourists wishing to fully embrace the ultimate tastes and flavors of ethnic cuisine of San Jose should necessarily pay a visit to the Mercado being a central market place of the city. The … Open
The Democracy Square (La Plaza de la Democracia) is located right in the heart of the city of San Jose. This square is considered to be a starting point of almost all city exploration tours. Numerous ancient streets with plenty of restaurants, stores and small market places start right close to the square. One of the brightest and most beautiful architectural landmarks of the city is the National Palace. The building was executed in keeping to the best traditions of the Moresque style. The guests of the city have a unique chance to look into the palace and estimate its inner decoration.
The building of the Atlantic railway station is as well of great architectural interest. The construction of this complex was finished in 1907. The building of the railway station was recently renovated. Today the building houses the National Railway Museum. Tourists interested in pictorial art will love to visit the Museum of Art. Apart from marvelous pictures the collection of the museum presents original statuary art works and other crafts of local masters. The exposition of the museum takes six spacious halls. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
San Jose will meet and surprise its foreign guests not only with hearty and welcoming atmosphere and a great choice of entertainments but with plenty of exciting ethnic holidays and country … Open
One of the most original cultural establishments is the Jade Museum. The jade stone is considered by locals to be not a simple ornamental stone but a powerful gift of gods. In ancient times the jade stone was used for amulets and religious attributes. A stunning collection of marvelous jade crafts and decorations is presented in the museum so all the visitors may explore and embrace its beauty. A landmark of national significance as well as the biggest proud of the city is the National Theater. A building hosting the theater at present was erected in 1897 featuring a magnificent interior design of breathtaking beauty.
San Jose and National Museum A decoration of the halls with the rarest pink marble, ingenious statues and fresco paintings will absorb the attention of its visitors for hours. Not far from the city center tourists will discover the main religious landmark of the city of San Jose being the Cathedral. Close to the Cathedral tourists will discover the Central Park being a favorite place to rest and recreate as among local folks so among foreign guests of the city. Among other landmarks and sites the Art Museum is as well worth mentioning and visiting. Its collection encompasses more than 2.5 thousands of pictorial artworks by local masters of the 19th century. The Museum of Gold is another place to visit and explore during a vacation is San Jose. The museum offers a unique collection of precious artifacts.
The city of San Jose will be of great interest for active leisure fans and hiking enthusiasts as it features plenty of inimitable nature attractions and sites. A visit to the National Park … Open
A walk around the capital of Costa Rica cannot be imagined without taking a walk along its picturesque parks. The green zone of Parque Metropolitano La Sabana is a real treasure of the country. People like this place for its beauty and also because they can spend time actively here or take a walking tour in the shade of trees. It is also suitable for those who wish to get aesthetic pleasure. The majestic stadium Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica is located here. It has a capacity of 35,100 spectators and is also notable for the fact that it is the first modern arena that was built in Central America (this happened in 2011). In addition to sports events, music concerts are often held here. World stars such as Shakira, Metallica, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Black Sabbath have already performed at the stadium at one time or another.
San Jose and National Museum Another interesting park for walks is Parque Central, which is located near the already mentioned Catedral Metropolitana de San José. A magnificent view opens up on the religious attraction from the park. The green zone of Parque Nacional is also suitable for a promenade. This place will appeal to those who want to see both natural sights and man-made attractions. You can find delightful sculptures and fountains in the park. The garden Mariposario Spirogyra, which is located on the territory of the Parque Zoologico Nacional Simon Bolivar, is a unique place. Its visitors can enjoy the spellbinding jungles with incredibly beautiful butterflies flying around. The moment when a butterfly emerges from the pupa will be especially fascinating for children. There are a few more natural attractions in the vicinity of San Jose such as Parque España and Laguna Don Manuel, which are worthy of visiting.
1. One of the fastest ways to get from an airport to the center of city is by bus. In this case the trip will take not more than 15 minutes and will cost less than a dollar. The same trip by … Open
Plaza de La Cultura becomes the most visited square during cultural events. Festivals, musical concerts and national holidays – are all incredibly bright and joyful. However, it also deserves your attention on a typical day due to beautiful sights located on its territory. Cementerio General de San José is a real “museum of sculptural art”. All the statues and tombstones that are located here perfectly fit into the concept of “masterpiece sculptures”. In San Jose, you can also find lovely graffiti-painted walls – the City of Color Murals. Walking along the street Calle 17 gives you the opportunity to see the work of street art. Street art is represented here in all its glory. The Banco Central building is also an interesting place – especially the statues that are situated in front of it which are dedicated to ancestors of the locals — the Indians.
National Theater of Costa Rica Walking through the already mentioned Plaza de la Democracia, you should pay attention to the stone balls (the so-called “petrospheres”) Esferas de Piedra de Costa Rica. Such spheres were found throughout Costa Rica in the 1930s. Today they are memorable symbols of the country, whereas scientists are still arguing over their use. It is more likely that they were symbols of heavenly bodies. Another assumption is that such spheres marked the boundary between the lands of the Indian tribes. Scientists are sure of one thing – the balls are of man-made (not natural) origin. One of such spheres can be found in the courtyard of the Museo Nacional de Costa Rica. The museum itself is also worth a visit. Through its vast exposition, you can learn a lot about the history of the country.
San Jose is the capital of Costa Rica. The city, which was founded in 1737, is famous for its pleasant mild climate. The style of decoration of the local houses is a combination of a variety … Open
Visiting the village of Ujarras, or rather its ruins (Ruinas de Ujarras), is highly recommended to history lovers. Here you can find the ruins of one of the oldest churches in the country, which was built in 1580. There are several legends associated with the erection of the shrine. It is claimed, for example, that local fishermen had found here a painting of the Virgin Mary. That became a reason to build the church exactly where the artifact was found. It is believed that the Mother of God saved the locals more than once, for instance, during the attack of the famous pirate Henry Morgan in 1666. In 1833, a flood occurred in the village. This resulted in the locals moving to another place – the village of Paraiso. The church stayed as a silent witness of those events. Nevertheless, it was not always abandoned and alone. Solemn masses in honor of the Virgin Ujarras are held here April 14th every year.
San Jose Among other religious attractions is the Church Iglesia de La Merced, which is a real masterpiece of neo-Gothic. The shrine was built in 1816, and in 1888 when an earthquake struck San José, it was destroyed. Thanks to the locals, the temple was quickly reconstructed right after. Inside you can find two magnificent works of sacred art: the statue of the Virgin Mercedes and the realistic sculpture “Christ on the Cross” by Manuel Maria Zúñiga. An interesting building can be found while taking a walk through the Parque Morazán. This is the rotunda Templo de la Musica, which was designed by José Francisco Salazar in 1920. Today, many interesting cultural events are held here: classical music concerts and festivals dedicated to art.
Tourists wishing to fully embrace the ultimate tastes and flavors of ethnic cuisine of San Jose should necessarily pay a visit to the Mercado being a central market place of the city. The … Open
Such cultural attractions as the Museo de los Niños, is a must-see place for families with kids. Here young tourists can try on adult occupations. You can get acquainted with the local flora and fauna in the beautiful Museo de Ciencias Naturales La Salle. Those who are keen about insects and are brave enough to take a closer look at them are always welcome to the Museo de Insectos. This place can enrich you with new knowledge and unforgettable memories. One more option to consider is a walk near the main building of the Universidad de Costa Rica. Here you can see magnificent sculptures and walls painted with beautiful graffiti.
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Reference information
Map of all churches
Cathedrals and basilicas near San Jose
♥   Basílica de la Inmaculada Concepción, Tejar, 18.7 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Los Ángeles, Cartago, 20.2 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Catedral de San Isidro Labrador, San Isidro de Pérez Zeledón, 74.9 km from the center. On the map   Photo
Car rental on OrangeSmile.com Rentals in San Jose

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Photogallery of cultural heritage of San Jose

Landmarks of culture on San Jose map: art-galleries, monuments, palaces, etc

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Excursions over cultural sights of neighbours of San Jose

Culture guide to San Jose. Which fascinating sights to visit once you are in San Jose: temples, churches, museums, theaters and castles. Recommendations (with addresses, phone numbers and links) on the places 'must visit' in San Jose. Plan your own city excursion by using this page info!
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