Cartago, Costa Rica facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Cartago
City
The Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles
Flag Seal
Nickname(s):  Ciudad de las Brumas (Spanish) " City of Fogs "
Motto(s):  Fide et pace (Latin) "Faith and Peace"
Cartago, Costa Rica Location in Costa Rica
Country	Costa Rica
Province	Cartago Province
Canton	Cartago Canton
Districts	Oriental, Occidental
Founded	1563
Capital City until	1823
Area
• City	152.68 km2 (58.95 sq mi)
Elevation	1,435 m (4,707 ft)
Population  (2008)
• City	156,600
• Density	152.68/km2 (395.4/sq mi)
• Metro	413,505
Time zone	UTC-6 (Central Standard Time)
Climate	Cwb
Patron saint	Saint James the Greater
Website	www.muni-carta.go.cr
HDI (2018) 0.828 – high

Cartago is a city in Costa Rica. It is the main city of the Cartago Province. The city is made up of the Oriental and Occidental districts. Cartago was the capital of Costa Rica for many years, from 1574 to 1824.

History of Cartago

Cartago was founded in 1563 by Juan Vasquez de Coronado. It was the first successful town built by Europeans in Costa Rica. In 1565, the King of Spain, Philip II of Spain, gave the city a special symbol called a coat of arms. In 1814, the Spanish Parliament called the Cortes gave Cartago the title "Very Noble and Very Loyal."

Capital City Changes

Cartago was the first capital of Costa Rica. But in 1823, a leader named Gregorio José Ramírez moved the capital to San José. This happened because Cartago wanted Costa Rica to join the First Mexican Empire. San José and another city, Alajuela, wanted Costa Rica to be a free country with its own government.

Earthquakes and Volcanoes

Cartago has faced many natural challenges. Strong earthquakes badly damaged the city in 1822, 1841, and 1910. In 1963, the Irazú Volcano erupted. For two years, it covered San José in ash. This eruption also damaged farms around Cartago, but the city itself was safe.

The Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles

Many people visit Cartago every year for a special reason. They come to see the country's main church, the huge Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles. They visit on August 2, which is the feast day of the Virgin of the Angels.

Inside the church is a famous statue called La Negrita. It is a statue of a Black Madonna. Many people believe La Negrita has great healing powers. Sick people visit her statue hoping for a miracle.

The Legend of La Negrita

According to a popular story in Costa Rica, an indigenous girl found the statue in 1635. She tried to take the statue home many times. But each time, it mysteriously returned to where she found it. The rock where she found the statue is now kept in the basilica. People touch the rock to show their respect.

Historical Buildings and Museum

The Plaza Mayor in Cartago has the Santiago Apóstol Parish Ruins. These are not real ruins, but an unfinished building. It was badly damaged by the 1910 earthquake and never finished.

The city government is working to protect its history. They are making 100 blocks of Cartago a "historical center." This helps keep old buildings safe for the future. The city is also lighting up important historical buildings at night. This makes the city more inviting for people and tourists.

In 2010, the old police station became the new City Museum. It is located near the Plaza Mayor.

Famous People from Cartago

Jorge Allende, a famous scientist, was born in Cartago in 1934.

Economy of Cartago

Farming is very important in the areas around Cartago. There is also an industrial park with some local and international companies. However, many people who live in Cartago work in the bigger city of San José. Within Cartago, most jobs are in services and shops.

Cartago is also home to the Costa Rica Institute of Technology (TEC). This is one of the best universities in the country. It is known for its engineering programs.

Tourism in Cartago

Many places in Cartago are popular with tourists. These include:

• The Basilica of Los Angeles
• The "Ruins of Santiago Apostle Church"
• The City Museum
• The Maria Auxiliadora church
• The Costa Rica Institute of Technology
• The Central Market (especially on Thursdays and Saturdays)
• The San Luis Gonzaga High School building, where the first Central American Supreme Court met.

You can also enjoy cultural activities at the "Casa de la Ciudad" and the "Casa de la Cultura." The province around Cartago is known for its beautiful nature. It has many different plants and animals. You can find dense tropical rainforests near the Irazú Volcano and Turrialba Volcano.

Sports in Cartago

Cartago has a football (soccer) team called Cartaginés. They have won the Costa Rican league four times. They play their home games at the Estadio José Rafael Fello Meza Ivankovich.

Geography of Cartago

Cartago is located at the base of the Irazú Volcano. It is about 1,435 m (4,708 ft) above sea level.

Climate in Cartago

Cartago has a mild climate. It is usually warm all year round. It gets a lot of rain for most of the year. There is a short dry season in the winter.

Notable People

• Ana Cardoso, a woman whose family later included a president and an author.

Images for kids

• 

  The ruins of the Santiago Apóstol church in Cartago's central park, known as "Plaza Mayor".

• 

  Interior of the Basilica in Cartago

See also

In Spanish: Cartago (Costa Rica) para niños