East of Parque Central is this 19th-century Roman Catholic church, which suffered severe damage and was reconstructed after earthquakes in 1941 and 1991. Two presidents are buried here and it has one of the tallest domes in Costa Rica. Take a peek inside during Sunday service to see ornate concave paintings on the ceiling.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Parque Central

0.07 MILES

The shady Parque Central is a pleasant place to relax beneath the mango trees or people-watch in the evenings.

3. Parque Juan Santamaría

0.14 MILES

Two blocks south of Parque Central, this plaza features a statue of Juan Santamaría in action, flanked by cannons. Across the way, the Parque de los Niños…

4. Zoo Ave

4.16 MILES

About 10km west of Alajuela is this well-designed animal park with more than 115 species of bird on colorful, squawking display. The tranquil 14-hectare…

5. Las Cataratas de Los Chorros

5.06 MILES

About 7km southeast of Grecia, north of Tacares and Flores, are two gorgeous waterfalls and a swimming hole surrounded by shaded areas and picnic tables…

6. Refugio Herpetologico de Costa Rica

6.53 MILES

Costa Rica is full of wild reptiles, but for people who prefer meeting things with scales under controlled circumstances, there's the Refugio…

7. Parque Central

6.65 MILES

Heredia was founded in 1706, and in true Spanish-colonial style it has several interesting old landmarks arranged around Parque Central, including an…

8. El Fortín

6.65 MILES

This tower, constructed in 1876 by order of the provincial governor, is the official symbol of Heredia. It was declared a national historic monument in…