Cartago is known for being a city full of history and one of the oldest provinces in the country. The infrastructure contains an endless amount of culture in its interiors, and you can create day plans like historical walks for each of the buildings, listen or read about it and learn more about this country and the magnificent culture of this city.
Historic buildings to visit
Plaza Mayor of Cartago:
With more than 400 years of history, the Plaza Mayor of Cartago was the first square founded by the Spaniards in the Central Valley during the conquest. After 1821, the Plaza Mayor was transformed into the Main Square and then into the Central Park. Currently it retains its name of Plaza Mayor de Cartago. It was declared cultural heritage in April 2007.
In addition, last year the independence monument was inaugurated, which celebrates 200 years of Costa Rica as a free, sovereign and independent nation.
Municipal Palace
Since colonial times, the government of the city and of Costa Rica was located on these lands, until 1823, when the capital was moved to San José due to the so-called “Battle of Ochomogo”.
It was on this site where the independence act of October 29, 1821 was signed and sealed, therefore a commemorative plaque is still preserved on the exterior of the building. The new complex of modern architecture was inaugurated in 1958 and currently houses the administrative offices of the local government.
Municipal Museum of Cartago
This building was constructed during the administration of President Ricardo Jiménez (1910-1914), under the direction of the architect Luis Lach. It was declared a Historic Relic of Architectural Value in 1984, and it played an important historical role during the Revolution of 1948. Over time it continued to house the security forces and public forces of the city.
In April 2010, after a complete restoration led by the Municipality of Cartago, the building became the Municipal Museum of Cartago in response to the city’s need to preserve its historical, social and architectural heritage.
The province of Cartago played a fundamental role in the social, economic and historical development of the Costa Rica that we know today, which is why the memories of the past are preserved in its streets and buildings.
