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The Juan Santamaria Museum is named for national hero Juan Santamaria, a humble soldier from the region of Alajuela who is known for having "saved the nation" in 1856 when he burned down William Walker's army headquarters. Walker and his "filibustero" army had sought to claim Costa Rica and other Central American countries as part of the United States.
National HeroSantamaria, who lost his life during the mission, has been historically credited with saving the independence of Costa Rica as a result of his actions.
Housed in what were once the Alajuela city jail and army garrison, the Juan Santamaria Museum opened its doors to the public in 1980. Originally, the museum was only located in the jail section of the building, but it has since increased to the former garrison site.
The Juan Santamaria Museum plays a vital role in preserving the history of the Campaign of 1856 and the soldier from Alajuela. In addition, it strives to keep the cultural patrimony of Costa Rica intact, while serving as a depository for historical documents from the region.
The museum is also committed to the community, offering a wide variety of programs and educational opportunities to the local schools and residents.
Where is Located
Located just three kilometers from the Juan Santamaria International Airport, the museum is easily accessible for those looking to learn more about the famous soldier's exciting story.
History and natureIn addition to information on the historical figure, visitors to the Juan Santamaria Museum can also view a terrific butterfly and orchid collection, which is a symbol of the natural beauty found throughout Costa Rica. The museum also faces the central park, the Juan Santamaria Park, offering visitors yet another opportunity to explore the region's excellent scenery.
A well-balanced display of arts and crafts also makes the museum appealing to those hoping to get a better look into the aesthetic creations of some of the country's best artists.
Travelers looking to visit the Juan Santamaria Museum can enter for free and the facility is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. | |
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