30 Fascinating Facts About San José: The Heart of Costa Rica’s Thriving Culture and History

30 Fascinating Facts About San José: The Heart of Costa Rica’s Thriving Culture and History

San José is the capital and largest city of Costa Rica. San José pulsates with life, a vibrant city that embodies the country’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. As the capital of Costa Rica, San José serves as a captivating fusion of urban excitement and natural splendour, offering an abundance of experiences for travellers seeking an immersive exploration of Costa Rican life.

San José is a city that embraces diversity, a melting pot of cultures where people from all walks of life coexist and thrive. Engage in conversations with locals, savour the flavours of international cuisines, and immerse yourself in the city’s multicultural tapestry, enriching your understanding of the world. Embark on a captivating journey through time as you delve into San José’s fascinating history. Read more to discover 30 Fascinating Facts About San José: The Heart of Costa Rica’s Thriving Culture and History.

1. San José was founded in 1736

Founded in 1736 by the order of Cabildo de León, the population of San José rose during the 18th century through the use of colonial planning. Its objective was to concentrate the scattered inhabitants of the Aserrí Valley.  De León thus ordered the construction of a chapel near the area known as La Boca del Monte which was completed a year later. 

That year St. Joseph was chosen as parish patron, hence its name. The chapel, which was very modest, was erected with help from the church of Cartago. Unlike neighbouring Cartago, San José was not founded by formal decree and thus lacked a city government. It was not until the enactment of the Constitution of Cádiz in 1812 that San José had its first city government. 

2. San José is the capital and largest city of Costa Rica

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San José is the capital and largest city of Costa Rica, and the capital of the province of the same name. It is in the centre of the country, in the mid-west of the Central Valley, within San José Canton. 

San José is Costa Rica’s seat of national government, focal point of political and economic activity, and major transportation hub.

3. Costa Rica’s renowned coffee culture is embedded in San José’s history and daily life

Costa Rica’s reputation for producing exceptional coffee extends to its capital city. Savour a cup of freshly brewed coffee at one of San Jose’s many cafes, and indulge in the country’s culinary delights, from traditional dishes like gallo pinto to fresh seafood and international cuisine.

4. San José is named in honour of Joseph of Nazareth

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The city is named in honour of Joseph of Nazareth. Joseph was a 1st-century Jewish man of Nazareth who, according to the canonical Gospels, was married to Mary, the mother of Jesus, and was the legal father of Jesus.

Many cities, towns, and locations are named after Saint Joseph. According to the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, the Spanish form, San Jose, is the most common place name in the world. Probably the most-recognized San Jose are San José, Costa Rica, and San Jose, California, United States, given their name by Spanish colonists. Joseph is the patron saint of the New World; and of the regions Carinthia, Styria, Tyrol, Sicily; and of several main cities and dioceses.

5. San José boasts numerous museums

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San José is also host to various museums. These museums allow visitors to view Costa Rican history, scientific discoveries, pre-Columbian era culture and art, as well as modern Costa Rican art. The city is also host to the nation’s Museum of Gold and Museum of Jade.

Some of the city’s main museums are: The Children’s Museum (Museo de los Niños), The National Museum of Costa Rica (Museo Nacional de Costa Rica), The Museum of Pre-Columbian Gold (Museo de Oro Precolombino), The Museum of Costa Rican Art, The Museum of Contemporary Art and Design (Museo de Arte y Diseño Contemporáneo) and The Museum of Jade (Museo del Jade Marco Fidel Tristán Castro)

6. San José is home to iconic structures of neoclassical architecture

San José is home to iconic structures such as the National Theatre of Costa Rica, a masterpiece of neoclassical architecture. This is Costa Rica’s national theatre, located in the central section of San José. Construction began in 1891, and it opened to the public on 21 October 1897.

The National Theatre presents high-quality performances, with artistic criteria being very high. The building is considered the finest historic building in the capital, and it is known for its exquisite interior which includes its lavish furnishings.

7. San José is surrounded by the expansive Braulio Carrillo National Park

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Braulio Carrillo National Park is a national park in Heredia Province, Cartago Province, Limón Province and San José Province, in central Costa Rica. The park is located on the volcanic Cordillera Central between San José City and Puerto Limón in the Caribbean.

The park contains many notable geological features, such as the Barva Volcano; and several dormant volcanoes. The park also protects areas of the Sarapiquí River watershed, including large amounts of primary cloud and rainforest, and the flora and fauna that makes it their home. 

8. The Mercado Central is the central market in San José

San José Central Market is the largest market in the city of San José, Costa Rica. Established in 1880, the market contains a complex of narrow alleys with over 200 shops, stalls, and cheap restaurants called sodas. 

A huge range of meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, coffees, and other products are for sale including snakeskin boots and cowboy saddles, herbal remedies, flowers, cooked meals, souvenirs, and local handcrafts. Tens of thousands of people visit the market daily.

9. San José offers a diverse culinary scene

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Costa Rican cuisine is generally not spicy. Throughout San José, the most popular food is the national dish of gallo pinto, which is a mixture of fried rice and black beans. Gallo pinto is usually served for breakfast with tortillas and natilla, a thin sour cream. 

Costa Rican restaurants serving traditional food at an affordable price are called sodas and usually offer casados for lunch and dinner. A Casado consists of rice, beans, and meat, and normally comes with cabbage-and-tomato salad, fried plantains, and tortillas. San José Central Market, in downtown San José, has numerous stalls and sodas offering this cuisine.

10. The La Sabana Metropolitan Park is located in the heart of San José

La Sabana Metropolitan Park is located in downtown San José, Costa Rica. It is the country’s largest and most significant urban park.

La Sabana Metropolitan Park is adjacent to the city’s core districts, offering green space and recreation to the residents of San José. Several vital institutions and organizations are located within or adjacent to the park.

11. San José is home to prominent universities

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Costa Rica has developed high education levels. As of 2011 97.6% of the population over 10 was literate, 96% of children attended primary school and 71% of students of high-school age attended high school. The country as a whole has the highest education levels in Central America and one of the best in Latin America.

The University of Santo Tomas, the first university in Costa Rica, was established here in 1843. That institution maintained close ties with the Roman Catholic Church and was closed in 1888. The schools of law, agronomy, fine arts, and pharmacy continued to operate independently, but Costa Rica had no university proper until 1940 when those four schools were re-united to establish the modern University of Costa Rica (UCR). The University for Peace, an intergovernmental organization with university status, established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1980, is also located in San José.

12. San José provides a gateway to the imposing Irazú Volcano

The Irazú Volcano is an active volcano in Costa Rica. At 11,260 feet, the Irazú Volcano is the highest active volcano in Costa Rica. It is easily visited from San José, with a road leading right up to the summit craters and a weekly bus service to the top. It is thus a popular tourist spot. 

The summit of the volcano also houses a few television transmitters for television stations in San José. From the top, it is possible to see both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans on a clear day. However, such clear days are rare, and the volcano’s summit is usually cloud-covered.

13. San José enjoys a mild climate

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San José has a tropical wet and dry climate. Precipitation varies widely between the driest month and the wettest month, while average temperatures vary little. 

The hottest month is April with an average temperature of 23.7 °C, while the coolest month is October with an average temperature of 21.8 °C.

14. The lively celebrations of the Fiestas de San José happen in the heart of San José

The Zapote Popular Celebrations are traditional popular festivals in Costa Rica, held since 1846 to celebrate the end of the year. They take place in the last week of December and the first week of January in the town of Zapote, east of the canton of San José. 

Along with the Palmares Festival, these popular celebrations are extremely popular and coincide with the vacation period for Costa Rican students. The main attractions of this festive fair are the chinamos, bars, amusement rides and traditional bullfights.

15. San José is a hub for sports enthusiasts

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The city’s major football club is Deportivo Saprissa, which has won a record 36 league titles. The team plays its home games at the Estadio Ricardo Saprissa Aymá, which is located in Tibas. Another top-level club, Universidad, plays at the Estadio Ecológico. San José hosted the 2015 FIBA COCABA Championship, where the Costa Rica national basketball team finished 2nd. 

16. San José is adorned with historical churches

San José is adorned with historical churches such as the Metropolitan Cathedral and Iglesia de la Merced.

The Metropolitan Cathedral of San José Spanish is a cathedral in San José, Costa Rica, located on Calle Central and Avenues 2 and 4. The original cathedral was built in 1802 but was destroyed by an earthquake.

17. San José is a hub for scientific exploration

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A good example is the Costa Rican Center of Science and Culture: A hub for scientific exploration, featuring interactive exhibits and educational programs. 

Located in a fortress-like building that once served as the central penitentiary between 1910 and 1979, the centre was inaugurated in 1994. It contains a number of important institutions including the National Auditorium, the Museo de los Niños, the National Gallery and a number of others.

18. The Juan Santamaría International Airport is the main transportation hub

The city is serviced by Juan Santamaría International Airport, 23 km west of downtown, in the city of Alajuela, which is one of the busiest airports in Central America. In 2010, Juan Santamaría International Airport received 4.3 million passengers, most of them from international flights. 

In 2011, the airport was named the 3rd Best Airport in Latin America and the Caribbean from the Airport Service Quality Awards by Airports Council International.

19. Explore the Lankester Botanical Gardens located in San José

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The Lankester Botanical Gardens are a set of gardens outside of Cartago, Costa Rica. The garden is open to the public but is operated by the University of Costa Rica (UCR) as a research centre and is a major centre for orchid research in both Central America and the Caribbean.

The mission statement of Lankester Garden is to promote the conservation, enjoyment and sustainable use of the epiphytic flora through scientific research, horticulture, and environmental education.

20. San José’s streets are adorned with vibrant street art

San José’s streets are adorned with vibrant street art, adding a contemporary touch to its cultural canvas.

In addition, in 2012, San José disclosed plans to install its first street signs, about 22,000 signs and plaques.

21. San José prioritizes green spaces evident in its parks

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San José is home to many parks and squares where one can find gazebos, open green areas, recreational areas, lakes, fountains, statues and sculptures by Costa Rican artists and many different bird, tree and plant species.

The city’s primary parks include The National Park, Morazán Park with Neoclassical Temple of Music pavilion, La Sabana Metropolitan Park, which is the largest park, Peace Park, Okayama Park and Simón Bolívar Zoo. 

22. San Pedro is San José’s lively district known for its nightlife

San Pedro is a lively district known for its nightlife, vibrant student community, and eclectic dining options.

The city’s greater metropolitan area in Los Yoses, San Pedro also serves as the headquarters of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.

23. The Archivo Nacional in San José preserves Costa Rica’s history

The National Archives of Costa Rica is a decentralized institution of the Ministry of Culture and Youth. It is the governing body of the National Archival System, which manages Costa Rica’s documentary heritage and collaborates in the control of the country’s notarial activities.  Its goals are to preserve and allow access to the documentary history of Costa Rica in a transparent and sustainable way.

24. The Zoologico Simón Bolívar is a modern zoo located in San José

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The Zoologico Simón Bolívar is an urban park of approximately 14 hectares, located in downtown San José, Costa Rica. It is the oldest botanical garden and zoo in Costa Rica. The name pays homage to Latin American national founder Simón Bolívar. 

It is administered by a conservation nonprofit foundation called Fundazoo. All animals in the zoo are orphaned, injured or have been disabled and are nursed back to health in hopes of releasing them.

25. The Biblioteca Nacional showcases a vast collection of  San José literature

The Biblioteca Nacional is the national library of Costa Rica in San Jose. It is tasked with curating the cultural heritage of Costa Rica and maintains three copies of every book ever published in the country in addition to other works. 

The library contains study areas and a reference desk but is not a public lending library. The library is located adjacent to the Parque Nacional, placing it in the centre of many important government buildings.

26. San José features sculpture gardens

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San Jose features sculpture gardens like the Museo de Arte y Diseño Contemporáneo’s outdoor exhibits. The Museo de Arte y Diseño Contemporáneo is a Costa Rican museum, specialising in contemporary Central American art and design, but also representing international work in the field. 

27. San José has inspired numerous Costa Rican writers and poets

San José has inspired numerous Costa Rican writers and poets. These include; Mirta González Suárez, Jens Hoffmann and Eunice Odio.Mirta González Suárez is a Costa Rican social psychologist and novelist. She is an emeritus professor of psychology at the University of Costa Rica, where she has conducted research in women’s studies and political psychology.

Jens Hoffmann Mesén, born in 1974 in San José, Costa Rica is a writer, editor, educator, and exhibition maker. His work has attempted to expand the definition and context of exhibition-making. From 2003 to 2007 Hoffmann was director of exhibitions at the Institute of Contemporary Arts London. Eunice Odio was a prominent Latin-American poet known for her diverse body of work, including articles, essays, reflections, letters, short stories, and children’s literature. She also held roles as a journalist and educator, teaching English and French. She was born in San José, Costa Rica. Odio resided in various countries including Costa Rica, Mexico, Cuba, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and the United States during her lifetime.

28. San José features many buildings with European-inspired architecture

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San José has a number of theatres, many with European-inspired architecture. These buildings serve as the city’s main tourist attractions, not only because of their architecture, but because of the cultural, musical, and artistic presentations and activities, which include traditional and modern Costa Rican and San Josefinan culture.

The most well-known are The National Theater of Costa Rica, The Melico Salazar Theater, and The National Auditorium of The Children’s Museum of Costa Rica.  The National Theater of Costa Rica is also considered the finest historic building in the capital and is known for its exquisite interior which includes its lavish Italian furnishings and the Melico Salazar Theater presents drama, dance performances and concerts throughout the year. Nevertheless, other smaller theatres can be found throughout the city and provide a large array of entertainment.

29. San José is home to more than 300,000 residents

The population of San José grew during the eighteenth-century colonization planning, which was different from the traditional foundation plans of Spanish cities in the continent of Central America.

San José Canton’s population was 288,054 in 2011, and San José’s municipal land area is 44.2 square kilometres, with an estimated 333,980 residents in 2015. Together with several other cantons of the central valley, including Alajuela, Heredia and Cartago, it forms the country’s Greater Metropolitan Area, with an estimated population of over 2 million in 2017.  San José has historically been a city of strategic importance, having been the capital of Costa Rica three times. More than a million people pass through it daily. 

30. San José is one of Latin America’s safest cities

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According to studies on Latin America, San José is one of the safest and least violent cities in the region.  As of 19 June 2012, both city and nation reduced their crime indices considerably. Nationwide, crime was reduced from 12.5 to 9.5 incidents per 100,000 inhabitants.

In 2012, new police equipment was issued by the government, and the security budget was increased. President Laura Chinchilla‘s government has donated vehicles and other equipment to the police department on at least two occasions.

San José is a city that constantly surprises and delights. From its rich history and vibrant culture to its natural wonders and commitment to sustainability, San José offers an unforgettable experience for travellers seeking a taste of Costa Rica’s heart and soul. San José beckons you to embark on an unforgettable journey of discovery. From its rich history and vibrant culture to its natural wonders and commitment to sustainability, San José promises an immersive experience that will linger long after your departure.