Cartago

About

As the first successful settlement in the country, Cartago served as the capital of the Viceroyalty of Costa Rica for 250 years. The most stunning reminder of this status is the beautiful, blue-grey Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles. The church is a local pilgrimage site because of the miraculous Black Madonna displayed on the main altar. It is said that in 1639 a young local girl found the blackened Virgin Mary statue and brought it home, only for it to reappear in its original location the next morning. Also worth visiting are the ruins of Santiago Apóstol Parish in the central park, a beautiful centrepiece for a wonderful public area. Just outside the city is The Lankaster Botanical Gardens, a must-see for plant lovers. If you need a bit to eat, stop by the Cartago Central Market for local cuisine and fresh produce.