Cartago City and Canton

Some Facts

Districts

History

TThe history of Cartago traces back to the time when Juan Vázquez de Coronado wanted to settle between the rivers Coris and Purires. Because of the bad location due to the ongoing threat of the rivers, the place was called 'Ciudad del Lodo' (Mud City). First the Spanish Governor Perafán de Riviera moved it to Mata Redonda and finally Alonso Anguciana de Gamboa moved the city to it present site. Cartago was the capital of Costa Rica during Colonial times.

It is the city that was most affected by earthquakes, some of them caused by the volcano Irazú. In 1841 and 1910 the city was almost totally destroyed. For that reason you'll find hardly any buildings older than 70 years. In 1574 the first church was constructed. It was destroyed by earthquakes and reconstructed in the years 1656, 1718, 1756, 1822, 1841 and 1910 in the middle of reconstruction. Today this place is called 'Ruinas de la Parroquia'. Also destroyed in the same year was the Supreme Court of Central America, which was a gift of the American Andrew Carnegie. In 1948 Cartago was the prime target in the Civil War.

General Description

The commercial center of the Canton of Cartago is the city of Cartago. All buildings are relatively new and the streets are cut in the classical Spanish manner. There is a nice Central Park and a permanent Fruit Market. The 'Basilica de Nuestra Señora de Los ángeles' patron of Costa Rica is being visited by thousands of pilgrims every year. To the north, there are numerous farmer villages and the land is covered with a multi-color carpet from the different plantations.

Interesting Sites

There are several interesting locations in the city like ruins of the old 'Parroquía' situated in the center of the city and surrounded by a beautifully manicured park. Then the Basilica, where the image is displayed which according to history appeared at the same place in 1635. The City Market with all its delicatessens on display. the 'Cuartel de Armas offers an excellent Photo opportunity just like 'Lankaster' Gardens with all it Orchids. There are hot water springs to swim in and last but not least, the 'Instituto Tecnológico' (the Technical College) San Luis Gonzaga.

Climate

The cool climate during the whole year is very pleasing. The average temperature being 20-24 degrees Celsius with no extremes during the year. In the higher elevation, for instance in Tierra Blanca, the temperatures are considerably lower. Cartago is at 1435m above sea level, San Francisco: 1330m; Guadalupe: 1400m; Corralillo: 1664.

The Cantones of Cartago