Catedral Metropolitana (Metropolitan Cathedral ), San Jose (must see)
The Metropolitan Cathedral of San Jos茅, originally constructed in 1802, has long served as the spiritual heart of the city鈥檚 Catholic community. The early church, however, did not escape the region鈥檚 seismic activity鈥攁n earthquake in the early 1800s left the building damaged, prompting a major reconstruction in 1871.
The cathedral鈥檚 current design is a unique blend of Greek Orthodox, Neo-Classical, and Baroque styles, reflecting both European influence and local craftsmanship. Doric pilasters, a neo-classical pediment, and side steeples elegantly combine to honor the church鈥檚 historical origins while presenting a grand fa莽ade to the city.
Inside, the cathedral continues to impress with its finely tiled Colonial floors and beautifully crafted stained-glass windows, each depicting vivid biblical stories. Intricate wooden cherubs hover near the altar, where a carefully carved figure of Christ commands attention.
Beyond the artistic beauty, the cathedral is steeped in historical significance. In 1983, Pope John Paul II visited San Jos茅, leaving a lasting mark with a marble statue that now stands in the north garden, commemorating his presence. The cathedral鈥檚 crypt also holds historical treasures: the remains of two former archbishops and a Costa Rican president rest here, connecting the church not only to spiritual life but also to the nation鈥檚 political and cultural heritage.
Tip:
Although not technically part of the cathedral complex, a small statue of Holocaust victim Anne Frank graces the pedestrian mall on the building's south side. It was donated by the Embassy of the Netherlands.
The cathedral鈥檚 current design is a unique blend of Greek Orthodox, Neo-Classical, and Baroque styles, reflecting both European influence and local craftsmanship. Doric pilasters, a neo-classical pediment, and side steeples elegantly combine to honor the church鈥檚 historical origins while presenting a grand fa莽ade to the city.
Inside, the cathedral continues to impress with its finely tiled Colonial floors and beautifully crafted stained-glass windows, each depicting vivid biblical stories. Intricate wooden cherubs hover near the altar, where a carefully carved figure of Christ commands attention.
Beyond the artistic beauty, the cathedral is steeped in historical significance. In 1983, Pope John Paul II visited San Jos茅, leaving a lasting mark with a marble statue that now stands in the north garden, commemorating his presence. The cathedral鈥檚 crypt also holds historical treasures: the remains of two former archbishops and a Costa Rican president rest here, connecting the church not only to spiritual life but also to the nation鈥檚 political and cultural heritage.
Tip:
Although not technically part of the cathedral complex, a small statue of Holocaust victim Anne Frank graces the pedestrian mall on the building's south side. It was donated by the Embassy of the Netherlands.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in San Jose. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Catedral Metropolitana (Metropolitan Cathedral ) on Map
Sight Name: Catedral Metropolitana (Metropolitan Cathedral )
Sight Location: San Jose, Costa Rica (See walking tours in San Jose)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: San Jose, Costa Rica (See walking tours in San Jose)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in San Jose, Costa Rica
Create Your Own Walk in San Jose
Creating your own self-guided walk in San Jose is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Shopping and Food Walking Tour
Walking the pedestrian-friendly promenades of Costa Rica's capital 鈥� San Jose 鈥� is a great way to experience the local culture. Despite an occasional rainstorm, the country's tropical weather makes outdoor shopping an undeniably fun experience. The downtown part of San Jose has no shortage of department stores, traditional marketplaces and souvenir shops selling handcrafts.
The... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
The... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Historical Buildings Tour
What's known today as San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, came into being as a small settlement during the Spanish invasion, circa the mid-16th century. From a town of little importance, San Jose eventually evolved into a densely-populated cosmopolitan city, built mostly with proceeds from coffee trade.
The historic architecture of San Jose is a mix of European and Latin American styles... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
The historic architecture of San Jose is a mix of European and Latin American styles... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
San Jose Introduction Walking Tour
Ricardo Jimenez Oreamuno, former president of Costa Rica, once said: 鈥淪an Jose is the heart of Costa Rica, where the pulse of the nation beats.鈥�
San Jose, Costa Rica's capital, has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. The city's origins are tied to the country鈥檚 shift toward independence and urban development. Before becoming the capital, Costa Rica鈥檚 main... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
San Jose, Costa Rica's capital, has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. The city's origins are tied to the country鈥檚 shift toward independence and urban development. Before becoming the capital, Costa Rica鈥檚 main... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
17 Uniquely Costa Rican Things to Buy in San Jose
Not to be confused with San Jose, the sunny California, San Jose, Costa Rica is the capital city of a wet (250 centimeters of rainfall per year) and colorful Latin American country renowned for its diverse craftsmanship (courtesy of the numerous indigenous tribes), splendid coffee and rich cultural...