San Jose is located in the central valley,
the country's main business and cultural districts are here, as well
as most of the population; this is the main stopover destination
for travelers exploring the coasts and mountain ranges of this beautiful
country. San Jose is also headquarters for all government institutions,
and guardians of the country's most precious monuments and landmarks.
San Jose has fantastic historical sites,
easily accessible by foot or using one of the countries public transportation
systems. It's here where old-world meets digital-age, many aged
houses and buildings made by the first "ticos" (Costa Ricans)
are still up, right next to all the new constructions. Traditional
markets and artisans operate besides computer cafes and micro-breweries
all around the central valley.
San José is divided into north to south by the Central street (ca. or
st. is short for street), east and west by Avenida (avenue or av.) Central,
which becomes Paseo Colon west of the San Juan de Dios Hospital. Streets
west of Valle Central are even-numbered, those to the east end are odd.
In the same way, avenues lying south of Avenida Central are even-numbered,
those to the north end are odd. This system makes for an orderly grid pattern that comes in handy, considering that few of the streets
and avenues have signs, and no one relies on numbered addresses. Costa
Ricans, as you will see, use reference points such as churches, schools
and bars, it's possible to hear people say "...from the old this
and that building..." (which may now not even exist). Downtown
district is surrounded by residential and commercial districts, or barrios,
each with its own name and ambience, but the main divisions are
Pavas/Rohrmoser & La Sabana (central), Escazu & Santa Ana (west),
and San Pedro & Curridabat (east)
Walking Tour
The following description takes adventurers
through the city's main landmarks and historical monuments, as well
as provides a sight-seen experience for those interested in learning
more about this beautiful, pacific country.
Start at the National
Museum. Currently housing pre-Columbian art, including pottery and
gold work, the structure was once the Bellavista Fortress. Bullet holes
still mar the turrets from battles leading up to the successful 1948
revolution, after which the national armed forces where dissolved by
its leader, legendary three-time President Jose "Pepe" Figueres.
A statue honoring don Pepe was unveiled last year behind the museum
overlooking the Plaza de la Democracia. This mufti-level plaza was built
in 1989 to receive the presidents who participated in a hemispheric
summit hosted by then President Oscar Arias. This soft-spoken, brilliant
president received the Nobel Peace Price the following year for his
Central American peace plan, which lead to the end of armed regional
conflicts.
From the museum entrance, mosey two blocks north to the Parque Nacional
past the Legislative Assembly buildings and adjacent Castillo
Azul (Blue Castle), where Congress convenes and try to resolve the countries
problems. North of this shady National Park is the Atlantic
Railroad Station. A small museum tracing the railroad's history.
Just outside the station, a bust of Tomas Guardia, who started the railroad
project, stands alongside a small-scale obelisk commemorating the abolition
of capital punishment. In the heart of the park, the Monumento Nacional
displays five striking Amazon representing the five Central American
publics as they expel invading U.S. filibuster William Walker from their
land. The statue the work of an apprentice of France's Rodin Studio,
of U.S. Statue of Liberty fame.
A westward route along the park's northernmost
boundary leads past the curious-looking National Library to the old
Liquor Factory, newly transformed into National
Cultural Center (CENAC), a performing arts complex that combines
Ministry of Culture office. Go inside for a stroll. The old factory,
one of the oldest buildings in the city, it was closed after lightning
destroyed the distillery. Farmers drove their oxcarts piled high with
sugar cane to the distillery, then headed to Parque Morazan, across
from where today's Aurola Holiday Inn is located. The park, twice
redesigned, was originally an open-air waters reservoir used by the
distillery.
The park's namesake, Central American
hero Francisco Morazan, was an apostle of regional unity. He overthrew
President Braulio Carrillo in 1842, and planner to force other countries
into unity. But Costa Ricans rebelled and overthrew him six months later,
shooting him in cold blood in Parque Central - three blocks west and
three south of Morazan Park.
España park, adjacent to the CENAC,
is smaller and more charming. Winding paths paved in brick lead past
a bust of U.S. steel baron Andrew Carnegie, who financed construction
of the Casa Amarilla, or Foreign Ministry, just across the street. The
Mediterranean-style building was built to house the Central Pan-American
Court of Justice, a regional United Nations that disbanded after several
years. Out front, an enormous Ceiba tree was planted by U.S. President
John Kennedy during his trip here in 1963, when he founded the
Alliance for Progress. The Casa Amarilla also houses a piece of the
Berlin's Wall.
Just west of the Parque España, the
Edificio Metalico (metal building) was one of the country's first schools.
Built in Brussels and imported through France, the prefabricated all-metal
structure is still a public elementary school today. Just behind the
school, the National Insurance Institute (INS) building features "The
Family," one of two sculptures in the city by renowned Costa Rican
artist Francisco Zuniga, who died in his adopted country Mexico. The
impressive Jade Museum is on the top floor of the INS building.
Now head east a few blocks to the Mexican
Embassy (Av. 7b, Ca 9). Not just an esthetically pleasing structure,
it is the official site of the armistice of the 1948 revolution. That
will lead you into Barrios Otoya and Amon, San Jose's historic districts,
where the oldest homes are seeing the most sensitive renovations around
town.
Other things to do
The recently revamped Plaza de la Cultura
(Av. Cntrl-2, Ca. 1-5) is a great meeting place. The large open courtyard
features fountains, public telephones and benches. Most of Costa Ricas
street performers convene here and entertain audiences every day. Just
off the Plaza, the famed Teatro Nacional
is a must-see. Centro Comercial El Pueblo in northern Barrio Tournon
offers discos Infinito , Cocoloco , La Plaza and many eclectic
shops and eateries. Risas, is two stories with an oversized dance floor
downstairs. El Imam, (Av. 2, Ca. 2) recently expanded with large dance
floor.
Parque National de Diversiones
(National Amusement Park and the benefactor of the National Childrens
Hospital) is a modern amusement park with a lake and innovative "Pueblo
Antiguo" exhibit, which transports visitors into the Costa Rica
of yesterday, it's near the Mexico Hospital, just outside of la
Uruca.
To play sports, take a stroll, picnic,
exercise or fly kites, try La Sabana Park, in west San Jose and Parque
de la Paz on the southeast side of the city.
Serpentario, a low-cost "snake
and lizard zoo" fascinates in a creepy crawly way. Roller-skate
the afternoon away at Patines La Sabana or Patines Music
in San Pedro. Both have a especial schedule a for parents and
kids.
Simon Bolivar Zoo, in San Jose , has
exotic birds, monkeys, tigers, jaguars, reptiles, and two new African
lions that the kids will love. Shopping malls and stores are all over
the San Jose metro area, and most have movie theaters with films
in English, food court and video games. |