In a century-old structure that has served as both jail and armory, this museum chronicles Costa Rican history from early European settlement through the 19th century, with special emphasis on Juan Santamaría and the pivotal mid-1850s battles of Santa Rosa, Sardinal and Rivas. Exhibits include videos, vintage maps, paintings and historical artefacts related to the conflict that ultimately safeguarded Costa Rica's independence.
Museo Histórico Cultural Juan Santamaría
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
10.99 MILES
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Catarata del Toro & the Blue Falls
16.78 MILES
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In front of the Church of San Rafael, this park was a normal plaza until the 1960s, when a gardener named Evangelisto Blanco became inspired to shave the…
11.31 MILES
Entered via a beautiful glassed-in atrium housing an exotic butterfly garden, this museum provides a quick survey of Costa Rican history. Exhibits of pre…
Nearby attractions
0.04 MILES
The shady Parque Central is a pleasant place to relax beneath the mango trees or people-watch in the evenings.
0.09 MILES
East of Parque Central is this 19th-century Roman Catholic church, which suffered severe damage and was reconstructed after earthquakes in 1941 and 1991…
0.15 MILES
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4.07 MILES
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4.98 MILES
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6.58 MILES
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6.73 MILES
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6.73 MILES
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