One of my absolute favorite days in Costa Rica was the very first Saturday we were there. Our professors planned a very busy and full day for us full of adventure.
My fellow students and I were expected to be at ICADS, our school, at 8:30 that day. Once we arrived, we boarded our bus and took off for the Irazu volcano!
IT WAS BEAUTIFUL!!! Absolutely breathtaking. The crisp air was very cold, but the ground itself was warm from the heat of the volcano. Astounded by the mist and beauty of the view, we each took a plethora of photos as we journeyed through the volcano.
Eventually, we wandered back to the bus. After a pit-stop in the gift store, we drove down the twisty turns of the mountain.
Our bus driver took us to several churches. They were each gorgeous and each had a beautiful story.
First we explored the Ruinas De La Iglesia Parroquial De Santiago Apostal. This was never actually a church. Legend has it that the priest of the would-be church was in love with his brother’s girlfriend. So, he killed his brother in order to have the girlfriend. Since then, the ground has been cursed so that the church could never be completely built. Each time they tried to construct the church, and earthquake would destroy their progress… so they eventually gave up.
The second church we visited is the home of The Virgin of Los Angeles. It was beautiful!
According to tradition, many years ago a poor Costa Rican girl found a doll when she was drawing water by the river. Excited to have a doll, she took it to her home and placed it carefully inside a box. The next day, she returned to the river and found another doll. She snatched it eagerly, thankful to have two dolls now. But when she arrived home, she found that her first doll was missing. This cycle repeated for a few days, and finally she and her mother approached a priest about the situation. The priest took the doll and put it inside a box. The next day, it wasn’t there. After that, they decided that something holy must be happening, so they built a church around the doll. This was the church we visited today.
Not only is this story significant for the Catholic faith, it is also significant for all Costa Ricans. The church was built in a poor area, and so it was the first time both the rich and the poor were able to worship God together.
After we peeked inside the church, we walked down to where the river (from the story I just told you) flows and we could touch the holy water. Many people cupped their hands to drink, or filled vials to take home to friends or family.
After lunch, we quickly stopped at the Mirador Ujarras overlook. We could see the whole valley!! It was SO PRETTY!!!!
The third church we explored was Las Ruinas de Ujarras. Built between 1575-80, this is the oldest standing church in Costa Rica. It was beautiful!
We explored the ruins as well as a river that flowed beside it.
Lastly, we journeyed to the oldest church in Costa Rica that still has services, Convento Fanciscano. This church was constructed in 1743 and is also very beautiful.
Next to the church is a graveyard with very old tombstones.
After we finished touring this church, we drove back to the school and then walked to our houses.
As I said, this was one of my favorite days in Costa Rica. I loved exploring the volcano and then learning about the history of each of these churches.
Hasta luego!
Carrington Fussell
I love the stories that go along with the churches! And those pictures are stunning!
Kara Beth Post author
Thanks Carrington! I love them too :) History is so interesting!