Grecia, Costa Rica facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Grecia
District
Church of Our Lady of Mercy in Grecia, Costa Rica
Nickname(s):  "The cleanest city in Latin America"
Grecia Location in Costa Rica
Country	Costa Rica
Province	Alajuela
Canton	Grecia
Area
• Total	7.51 km2 (2.90 sq mi)
Elevation	999 m (3,278 ft)
Population  (2011)
• Total	14,859
• Density	1,978.6/km2 (5,124/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC−06:00
Postal code	20301
Climate	Am

Grecia is a district located in the Alajuela province of Costa Rica. It is part of the Grecia canton. This area is known for being in the foothills of the Cordillera Central mountains. It sits on the eastern edge of Costa Rica's Central Valley. Grecia was once called "the cleanest city in Latin America."

Where is Grecia Located?

Grecia covers an area of about 7.51 km² (2.90 sq mi). It is located at an elevation of 999 m (3,278 ft) above sea level. The district is in the mountains, on the edge of the Central Valley. It is about 20 km (12 mi) northwest of Alajuela, the provincial capital. Grecia is also 27 km (17 mi) from Juan Santamaría International Airport. The national capital, San José, is about 45 km (28 mi) away.

History of Grecia

Early Inhabitants

Before Europeans arrived, the area of Grecia was home to indigenous peoples. These groups belonged to the Western Huetar Kingdom. They lived here during the time of King Garabito.

How Grecia Was Founded

People wanted to establish Grecia as a town as early as 1828. The first settlers found the land to be very fertile. The government also encouraged people to explore northern areas. They offered rewards for finding new paths. This led more settlers to move into the northwest of the Central Valley. They were looking for new land to farm and build homes.

As more people settled and built houses, they asked the local government for official permission. They wanted to officially establish their town. Their request, called File Number 21, was finally approved ten years later. On April 27, 1838, a law was signed. This law allowed travelers to explore and build a settlement. They decided to call this new settlement Grecia.

Economy

Grecia is a popular spot for tourists in the western Central Valley. Many visitors come to see its beautiful waterfalls and protected natural areas. The district is also famous for its Catholic church, Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes. This church is an important part of Costa Rica's history and architecture.

Culture

The Unique Church of Our Lady of Mercy

Inside the Church of Our Lady of Mercy in Grecia, Costa Rica.

Grecia is famous for its special church, Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes [es]. This church is made entirely of red, pre-fabricated steel plates. It was built in the 1800s to serve the Catholic community in Grecia. It also honors the Virgin Mary.

The church was first planned to be a brick temple. However, Angel Miguel Velasquez, a public works secretary, introduced a new design. This design had a neoclassical style, which means it looked like ancient Greek and Roman buildings.

There are many interesting stories about how this church came to be. One story says the church was a gift from a foreign country. It was supposedly sent to Greece by mistake, but ended up in Grecia, Costa Rica. Another legend claims its real destination was Punta Arenas in Chile. But it was unloaded by mistake in Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Then, it was sent to Grecia and put together there.

However, official records show the true story. The church's construction was a team effort. People from Grecia, the Catholic Church, and the Costa Rican government all worked together. Alejo E. Jiménez Bonnefil, a coffee producer, was in charge. He ordered and imported the church from a company in Belgium in the late 1800s. The company was called Ateliers de la Société de Couvillet.

Parks and Recreation

Grecia Central Park

Grecia Central Park in Downtown Grecia

Grecia Central Park is located right in front of the Church of Our Lady of Mercy. It is one of the many parks in the district. The park has been updated over the years, including its lighting system. People mainly use the park for walking. After being closed many times, the local government worked to encourage its use. They started a program called "Vamos al Parque" (Let's Go to the Park). This program, with the University of Costa Rica, offers free art, education, and fun activities for residents.

Amazing Animals: The Toucan Grecia

A toucan named Grecia became famous for being the first toucan to get a prosthetic beak. This bird was found injured in Grecia, which is how it got its name. It was then taken to the Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center (formerly Rescate Animal Zoo Ave), south of the city, for care.

Population of Grecia

In June 2023, the population of Grecia was estimated to be 16,158 people. This was an 8% increase compared to 2011.

The population in the district varies by age. About 21.4% of people are 19 years old or younger. Around 6.5% are between 20 and 24. The largest group, 35.7%, is between 25 and 44. About 25.3% are between 45 and 64. Finally, 11.1% of the population is 65 years old or older.

Transportation

Roads in Grecia

The district of Grecia is connected by several important roads. These roads help people travel in and out of the area.

• National Route 107
• National Route 118
• National Route 154
• National Route 711

See also

In Spanish: Grecia (Costa Rica) para niños