Overview
Construction began in 1825 and the church was consecrated in 1827, gaining cathedral status in 1850 when Costa Rica's first bishop was appointed. Repeated earthquake damage and repairs left it with a distinctive blend of neoclassical, baroque, and Greek-inspired elements, and it holds the tomb of former president Tomás Guardia. It was elevated to National Sanctuary status in December 2021. Sitting directly across from San José's Central Park, admission is free.
Opening Hours
Daily 06:00-19:30.
Travel Tips
Visit outside Mass times for a quieter look inside. Easy to combine on foot with Central Park and the National Theatre.
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🇰🇷 Tips for Korean Travelers
Practical info for Korean travelers heading to San José, Costa Rica from Seoul (ICN).
Korean Passport · Visa
Check visa rules for Costa Rica on the Korean MOFA travel advisory site before flying — visa-free, visa-on-arrival or e-visa rules change often. Keep at least 6 months of passport validity.
Flight from Incheon (ICN)
Compare direct and connecting flights from Incheon (ICN) to San José on Skyscanner or Google Flights. Early-morning departures from Korea are usually the cheapest option.
KRW ↔ Local Currency
Check the live FX widget above for the latest KRW rate. Korean travel cards like Travel Wallet, Hana EZ and Toss FX offer free local ATM withdrawals and competitive rates.
Korean Community · Korean Food
Many cities have an active Korean community in San José with Korean restaurants, mini-marts, and Korean-speaking guides. Search Naver Cafe or KakaoTalk open chats for "San José 한인" before you go.
Attractions near Metropolitan Cathedral of San José
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Things to Do in San José
Poás Volcano National Park Day Trip
A day trip to Poás Volcano (2,708m), about 1.5 hours from San José. View the 1.3km-wide crater and its emerald sulfuric lake during a 20-minute window. On clear days, see both the Caribbean and Pacific. Online booking mandatory.
Central Market Food Tour
Explore the Central Market (since 1880) with a guide, sampling casado, gallo pinto, tropical fruits, and Costa Rican coffee. A deep dive into Costa Rican food culture and market life.
Barrio Escalante Foodie Walk
Stroll through Barrio Escalante, San José's 'Gastronomic Street,' hopping between Costa Rican fusion restaurants, specialty coffee shops, and craft breweries. Start at Franco Café and discover hidden gems in every alley.