Today, let's discuss the capital of Costa Rica. Do you know which city holds this distinction in the heart of this Central American nation?
What is the capital of Costa Rica? Why?
San José stands as both the capital and the largest city of Costa Rica.
Capital of Costa Rica: San Jose. History
Established in 1737, San Jose ascended to the position of Costa Rica's capital in 1821 following the departure of the Spanish from their Central American colonies. Flourishing in the 19th century, the city witnessed the construction of elegant structures by coffee barons. However, the 1960s brought swift expansion as a wave of Costa Ricans and neighboring citizens flocked to San Jose in pursuit of economic opportunities. This influx led to the construction of numerous high-rise buildings and the city's sprawl into the surrounding countryside.
What was the old capital of Costa Rica?
Known as the Ancient Metropoli, Cartago served as the capital of Costa Rica until 1823 when this designation shifted to San José. Despite its relatively modest size, covering just 3,124 square kilometers and housing almost 35,000 inhabitants, Cartago holds immense significance in colonial art within Costa Rica. A prime example is the historic Orosi temple, constructed in 1743, a cultural gem that witnessed the birth of the nation.
Cartago boasts a humid tropical climate and features a mountainous landscape with two prominent ranges: the Central Range, home to the Irazú and Turrialba volcanoes, and the Talamanca mountain range. The towering Cerro Chirripó, Costa Rica's highest point at 3,600 meters above sea level, graces this province.
Rich in traditions and religious practices, Cartago is home to the national monument of Guayabo, near the town of Turrialba. This archaeological site reveals enigmatic constructions dating back to Pre-Columbian times, including mounds, bridges, plazas, and a functioning aqueduct. The annual pilgrimage to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels in the heart of Cartago stands as Costa Rica's most significant religious event, drawing millions of attendees from across the country every August 2nd.
However, the focal point of Cartago's allure lies in the majestic Irazú volcano, an active giant boasting five craters that attract thousands of tourists each year. As the highest-altitude volcano in Costa Rica, standing at 3,432 meters above sea level, Irazú is the source of several rivers, including those nourishing the basins of Chirripó, Reventazón, Sarapiquí, and Grande de Tárcoles.
Cartago boasts a humid tropical climate and features a mountainous landscape with two prominent ranges: the Central Range, home to the Irazú and Turrialba volcanoes, and the Talamanca mountain range. The towering Cerro Chirripó, Costa Rica's highest point at 3,600 meters above sea level, graces this province.
Rich in traditions and religious practices, Cartago is home to the national monument of Guayabo, near the town of Turrialba. This archaeological site reveals enigmatic constructions dating back to Pre-Columbian times, including mounds, bridges, plazas, and a functioning aqueduct. The annual pilgrimage to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels in the heart of Cartago stands as Costa Rica's most significant religious event, drawing millions of attendees from across the country every August 2nd.
However, the focal point of Cartago's allure lies in the majestic Irazú volcano, an active giant boasting five craters that attract thousands of tourists each year. As the highest-altitude volcano in Costa Rica, standing at 3,432 meters above sea level, Irazú is the source of several rivers, including those nourishing the basins of Chirripó, Reventazón, Sarapiquí, and Grande de Tárcoles.
Interesting facts about the capital of Costa Rica
Situated at the heart of San Jose province, San Jose, Costa Rica, boasts a population of around 335,000, making it the largest city in the country. Renowned for its safety, San Jose is considered one of the safest cities in Latin America. Elevated at 3,840 feet above sea level, the city enjoys a tropical yet pleasant climate. With an average high temperature of 29 degrees and an average low of 18 degrees, San Jose experiences Central Standard Time, and its name translates to "Saint Joseph" in English.
