Cartago

Las Ruinas de Cartago

Cartago was the capital of Costa Rica before San José. Now, its still a populated city about forty minutes by bus from downtown San José. So it was an easy half-day trip with my parents. As you will see, I took them to the ruins of Santiago Apóstol Parish ruins, and the Basilica de nuestra señora de los ángeles, both which have really interesting stories.

The ruins of Cartago have been through a lot. The site of this cathedral has suffered through three major earthquakes in 1822, 1841, and 1910. After the first and second earthquakes they tried to rebuild it, but after the third, it was a project that lost all hope and effort. It is now forever ruins. They are doing construction only to stabilize the ruins so there can continue to be visitors. You can walk inside to see the gardens, but rumor has it that there is a ghost of a priest with his head cut off when it's dark and foggy guarding the ruins. 

 A view of the inside, looks really peaceful! And the story of the old headless priest.

La Basilica de los ángeles, Cartago

Story of La Negrita

There's a story of an indigenous girl who found a black statue of the Virgin Mary in 1635. She brought it home with her, and even after being locked away, several times it mysteriously reappeared at its original site. The rock where she found it is kept in a back room in the basilica. Many people touch the rock and believe it has healing powers and can create miracles.

For almost all who visit the basilica, they start at the entrance of the church, get on their knees and slowly shuffle up the aisle towards the altar, the entire way on their knees, as a way to show sacrifice and honor God.  

 These were wax figurines of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. They were very realistic!

La Negrita

There is a spring of water on the side of the basilica that never stops running. It is said to have healing powers! On the Sunday my parents and I went, there was a long line to get to the springs. People drink it, put it on their heads or certain part of their body, and even bring empty bottles to fill for themselves.

Every August 2, pilgrims walk from wherever they live to Cartago. People spend days walking to the basilica to pay homage, walking from as far as Panamá and Nicaragua! August 2 is the feast day of the virgin of los ángeles.

The photos of the basilica, except the one with my parents, were taken from a friend because I didn't have my camera that day, so thank you!