Catedral de la Mercedes


At the heart of town you’ll find the incredibly quaint Catedral de la Mercedes, a red metal structure that was prefabricated in Belgium and shipped to Costa Rica in 1897 – and resembles a gingerbread church. It has an airy nave, bright Spanish-tile floors and a Gothic-style altar covered in marble.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

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2. Las Cataratas de Los Chorros

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3. Jardín Botánico Else Kientzler

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4. Zoo Ave

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5. Monumento al Boyero

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This iron monument welcomes visitors to Atenas while honoring the Costa Rican oxcart driver. It's 1km before Atenas on the north side of the road.

7. Parque Central

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

8. Cathedral

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