Home Destinations Mexico and Central America Costa Rica Sights Catedral Metropolitana

Catedral Metropolitana Review

Read our Costa Rica sights reviews. Or post your own.

Catedral Metropolitana

Address: C. Central, Avdas. 2-4, Barrio La Merced, San José
Phone: 221-3820

Metropolitan Cathedral

Category: Religious Sites
Location: San José

Write a review

Fodor's Review:

Built in 1871, and completely refurbished in the late 1990s to repair earthquake damage, this neoclassical structure with a corrugated tin dome is not terribly interesting outside, but inside are patterned floor tiles, stained-glass windows depicting various saints and apostles, and framed polychrome bas-reliefs illustrating the 14 Stations of the Cross. The renovation did away with one small time-honored tradition: rather than purchase and light a votive candle, the faithful now deposit a 50-colón coin illuminating a bulb in a row of tiny electric candles. The interior of the small Capilla del Santísimo (Chapel of the Host) on the cathedral's north side evokes ornate old Catholicism, much more so than the main sanctuary itself, and is a place for quiet reflection and prayer. A marble statue of Pope John Paul II, created by Costa Rican sculptor Jorge Jiménez and unveiled in 2006, graces the garden on the building's north side. Masses are held throughout the day on Sunday starting at 7 AM, with one in English each Saturday at 4 PM, except the first Saturday of the month, when it starts at 3 PM.