Places To Go

Cartago

By info ⋅ August 14, 2007 ⋅  Email this post ⋅  Print this post ⋅ Post a comment

Founded in 1563 by the Spanish, this settlement served as the capitol until 1823 when it handed over those duties to San Jose, the current capitol. With a population just over 140 000, it makes it one of the largest city centers in all of Costa Rica. Cartago enjoys all of the large city qualities such as large and modern shopping centers and even a professional soccer team.

Locally, Cartago is most well know for its Basilica, which was erected in honor of the Black Madona. Each day on August second, Costa Ricans walk from their homes, some for days, until they reach the Basilica. From there they will get on their knees and crawl until they reach the statue and kiss its feet.