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Places of Worship Tour in San Jose, San Jose
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Places of Worship Tour in San Jose
Guide Location: Costa Rica » San Jose
Guide Type: Self-guided city tour
# of Attractions: 8
Tour Duration: 2 hour(s)
Transportation Mode: by foot
Travel Distance: 4.9 km
Image Courtesy of Flickr and puroticorico
Author: john
San Jose's churches are vivid examples of historical and architectural value. Whether you are a keen church goer or simply interested in places of spirituality from either architectural or historical standpoints, this tour will take you to the most important religious sites of the city.
Tour Stops and Attractions
Iglesia de Barrio Mexico
1) Iglesia de Barrio Mexico
The Iglesia de Barrio Mexico is situated not so far away from downtown San Jose and one block away from the Children’s Museum. It’s a stunning building, which has been serving this neighborhood for more than 100 years. The main characteristics of the church are the neoclassical architecture which includes the two prominent domes.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and FredMikeRudy
Iglesia de la Merced
2) Iglesia de la Merced
The Iglesia de la Merced is one of the most beautiful churches to be found in San Jose, Costa Rica. It is one of the oldest standing churches in town also. The tall rising tower of the location can be seen all over town. The overall architectural scheme is neo classical and Baroque. This type of mixing of styles is very popular in this town.

You will want to go in and see the stained glass windows, as they are some of the most beautiful in town. There is also a stunning wooden ceiling here, which is ornately carved. The altar area is also quite well done is design, so take a moment to go in, if you get a chance.

The location is also well known for the park which is located next door. It is a local hang out for the Nicaraguan people of the city. There is also a giant stone sphere located here which is of local interest. The sphere dates back to the very beginnings of the country, and is as historic as any Mayan or Aztec piece to be found in the neighboring countries surrounding Costa Rica. The spheres remain a mystery, because no one is for certain what they mean. They are also a bit of a mystery because they are perfectly round, and no one knows how that was accomplished so long ago.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and strizich
Templo Biblico
3) Templo Biblico
The Templo Biblico is one of the architectural masterpieces of San Jose. The history of this pink-cream building starts in the 1920s. It’s a beautiful place that welcomes every visitor and where everyone can enjoy the blessing of the Costa Rican padres.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and vaticanus
El Carmen Iglesia
4) El Carmen Iglesia
The El Carmen Iglesia is a small church, but very important for the city. The front of the Church was inspired by Spanish churches, wisely proportionate with small towers and windows. Come here on Sundays and you can listen to some great melodies sung by the local choir.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Rosaura Corona
Catedral Metropolitana
5) Catedral Metropolitana
The Metropolitan Cathedral of San Jose is located on Calle Central and 2nd Avenue in the capital city of San Jose, Costa Rica. It was built in 1802, and has been the seat of the Catholic people of the city since. Sadly, in the early 1800s, the location was damaged by an earthquake. In 1871, it was rebuilt into the current structure that stands today.

The new center of worship combines Greek Orthodox, Neo Classical, and Baroque styles of architecture together in a way that honors the old and new portions of the church. The Doric style pilasters and neo classical pediment with steeples located on the side of the building are a fine example of how that melding of architectural styles happened.

You will want to pay a visit to the inside of this church also. The finely tiled Colonial floors and stainless windows are quite lovely. Various biblical themes adorn the windows. You will also want to check out the wooden Cherubs and figure of Christ at the altar.

In 1983, the church received a very special visit from Pope John Paul II. You will be able to see a marble plaque at the church commemorating the event. Two former archbishops, as well as an old Costa Rican President are buried in the basement of the building.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and chasqui
Parroquia Nuestra Senora De La Dolorosa
6) Parroquia Nuestra Senora De La Dolorosa
The Parroquia Nuestra Señora De La Dolorosa is a neo-baroque church in San Jose. The church is almost an identical copy of the San Juan cathedral in Puerto Rico, but with some minor modifications, such as the arched arcades that divide each other by doubled columns and statuettes of angels on the sides of the dome.
Iglesia de la Soledad
7) Iglesia de la Soledad
The Iglesia de la Soledad has been one of the architectural highlights of San Jose since 1909. The church boasts of a neoclassical design with colonial touches. The church's prized possession is its colorful stained glass windows, which were imported from Switzerland. Behind the Church you can find the Mercado Nacional de Artesanías.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and eneas
Iglesia Santa Teresita de Jesús
8) Iglesia Santa Teresita de Jesús
The Iglesia Santa Teresita de Jesús pays a tribute to a Carmelite nun who has done a lot for Latin America and for Costa Rica as well. The building itself was built in the 1930s, and has, since, been actively participating in the spiritual life of San Jose. The figure of Santa Teresita can be seen on the church’s roof.
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