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The capital of Heredia province is the small yet quaint Heredia city, which is just 10 km from Northern San Jose at the foothills of the extinct Brava Volcano. One of Costa Rica’s most historical cities, Heredia was founded in 1705 and is nicknamed “City of Flowers,” due to the many beautiful gardens and wonderful flora found around here. Located in central Costa Rica amidst vast coffee plantations and lush greenery, Heredia is the ideal place to visit for a family holiday.
A relaxed and laidback place, the main attraction of Heredia is its superb colonial architecture that can be seen all over town. In the heart of the city, surrounding the main square, which is a popular gathering place, is Heredia’s historic La Inmaculada Concepcion, a majestic church built in 1796, with bells imported all the way from Cuzco, Peru. The stained glass paintings in the church are some of the oldest in the country. This church stands in Heredia’s Parque Central or Central Park, and has a variety of shops and restaurants neighboring it.
Also found in Parque Central is a music temple, as well as El Fortin, a wonderful colonial tower of an old Spanish fort. Besides some old buildings, the park is home to the La Casa de la Cultura as well, which holds historical and art exhibitions on a regular basis.
Another reason for Heredia city’s popularity is the fact that the country’s national university, Universidad Nacional is situated here, which has one of the foremost veterinarian schools in Central America, as well as an outstanding marine biology department. This is why one will find plenty of students teeming all over the city.
When exploring Heredia, do go to the top of Monte de la Cruz, where you will be treated to some spectacular views of the city, its surrounding areas and huge coffee plantations. From Heredia, one also gets the opportunity to view both the Poas Volcano and Barva volcano in the distance.
The perfect location for a quiet getaway, Heredia is a great place to visit because the weather here is mild and temperate all year round, and with its close proximity to Downtown San Jose, you can enjoy a wonderful vacation away from the crowds that often throng most large cities.
To get to Heredia is easy. All one has to do is catch a flight to San Jose International Airport and then take a 15 minute bus or car drive to Heredia City. Aside from the wonderful cuisines available in the many restaurants, there are plenty of hotels and accommodations all over the place in Heredia.
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