During my first weeks in Costa Rica I naturally wanted to see the popular touristic hot-spots like the beautiful beaches or the mystic rainforests. However, Costa Rica has so much more to offer. Therefore it was very interesting for me to have a one day-trip to Cartago as part of my work for Serendipity Adventures.
Santiago Apóstol Parish Ruins
Cartago is a quite big city and was Costa Rica’s capital until the government chose San José as a new capital in 1823. One of the most known places in town are the “Santiago Apóstol Parish Ruins”. These are a couple of old destroyed stones that cover a little cozy garden. The place around and inside the garden is a popular place for Cartago’s people to hang out.
The history of the ruins is very interesting because there are many mystical stories concerning this place.
Originally, a new big church should have been built at this place, but each time the people tried to build the church, another new earthquake destroyed it. They resigned their attempts in 1910 after a big earthquake destroyed the building once again. Since that date the place is known as a mystic and cursed site. Another story says that a headless priest appears in foggy nights inside the garden…
Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles
The other big event in the city is the “Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles“. Built in 1926, the huge church is the most important pilgrimage site in the country today. On the 2nd August, the anniversary of the appearance of the Virgin Mary, people from the whole country pilgrim to the basilica. Many of them cross the church on their knees. The central sanctuary inside the church is the “Negrita”, a black statue of the Virgin Mary. She is also seen as the patron saint of Costa Rica.
Apart from these two interesting cultural impressions, I also liked the rest of the town. There is a quaint market inside a big building where the people sell their fruits, food, clothes and other interesting stuff in small and tight alleys. Furthermore, Cartago is a quite big town and offers therefore many culinary opportunities. From gourmet restaurant to famous American fast-food chains – everyone gets what he or she loves to eat.
Mercado Central
Without doubt, a few culture experiences should be part of any Costa Rica vacation in my opinion. Therefore I can highly recommend a trip to Cartago – a city full of culture and mysticism, and the home of the Irazú volcano.