Cities: San José
| Cities: San José |
|
|
|
|
The capital of Costa Rica, San José is a city of contrasts. It is the geographical center of the country and its cultural heart. San José is a young city, even by Costa Rican standards. Although the city was founded in 1737, its importance to the people and the culture didn't start until the end of the nineteenth century.
The city's most famous landmark, the National Theater, was built in the 1890's by the fortunes and increasing wealth generated by the worldwide boom in coffee consumption; the building is an exact copy of a París opera house. In fact, much of the architecture of the city is a collection of different styles from different áreas. This makes the feel of the city almost disjointed, but at the same time it has a certain vitality and spirit of adventure. San José ¡s a place that grows on you, a perfect stopping over and transition place for those travelers needlng a break to recharge their batteries. Beneath the surface, of San José beats the heart of a city, with a great deal to offer. The city's night life is lively with plenty of different bars, restaurants and dance clubs from which to choose. In addition, there are more theaters in San José than anywhere else in Latin America. Its museums are many and varied, with something to offer just about any interest. From the Gold Museum's excellent display of Pre-Columbian artifacts to the insect exhibits at the Joyas del Trópico, no two are alike. Nowhere is the spirit and feel of San José and its people more evident than in the public parks, squares and markets. Spreading like fingers all throughout the city, this is where the common people of the city congrégate to trade stories and opinions about everything from the weather to the failings of the current president. Joséfinos are proud of their country and their city and they aren't afraid to tell you what is wrong and how to fix it. As the people and the country face the challenges of the next century, San José will be at the forefront with a daring and style that says they are willing to try new things and ideas. San José, the city that stretches across Costa Rica's pastoral past and connects it to its technological and economic future.
 Back |
