Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
city was destroyed during a 1723 eruption of the Volcán Irazú. Any remaining landmarks
were toppled by earthquakes in 1841 and 1910.
Although the city was relegated to backwater status when the seat of government moved
to San José in 1823, the surrounding area, particularly the Orosi Valley, flourished during
the days of the coffee trade. Today much of the region continues to be devoted to the pro-
duction of coffee, among other agricultural products. And though Cartago no longer has
the prestige of being a national capital, it nonetheless remains a vital commercial hub - not
to mention the site of the most important religious monument in the country.
Cartago
Pop 147,900
After the rubble was cleared, in the early 20th century, nobody bothered to rebuild Cartago
to its former quaint specifications. As in other commercial towns, expect plenty of func-
tional concrete structures. One exception is the bright white Basílica de Nuestra Señora de
los Ángeles, which is visible from many parts of the city, standing out like a snowcapped
mountain above a plain of one-story edifices.
The city is thrown briefly into the spotlight every August, when pilgrims from every
corner of the country descend on the basilica to say their most serious prayers. The re-
mainder of the year, Cartago exists mainly as a commercial and residential center, though
the beauty of the surrounding mountains helps take the edge off modern life.
Sights
Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Los Ángeles
CHURCH
Cartago's most important site, and Costa Rica's most venerated religious shrine, this ba-
silica exudes airy Byzantine grace, with fine stained-glass windows, hand-painted interiors
and ornate side chapels featuring carved wood altars. Though the structure has changed
many times since 1635, when it was first built, its central relic remains unharmed:
La
Negrita
(the Black Virgin), a small (less than 1m tall), probably indigenous, representation
of the Virgin Mary, found on this spot on August 2, 1635.
