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Like the Six Nation Monument in Brantford Canada, this symbolises the defeat of American Imperialism by the local people.
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Date of experience: October 2018
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If you're American, go here for the statue of Juan Santamaria. It commemorates an important event in Central American history almost none us learned about in high school (and we really should). The park itself is mostly stones with a playset. It was cool to see locals hanging out, some skating, just enjoying the evening. But there's not a ton here.…
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Date of experience: January 2018
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+1
This park is more of a plaza as it is dominated by concrete paving stones. There are a few trees around the perimeter that provide some nice shade but do not be surprised to find someone sleeping off a hangover on the little grass that is available. The statue of Juan Santamaria after whom the park is named dominates the scene as does a colorful mural. You can reach this park very easily by walking a few blocks south of the central plaza.…
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Date of experience: March 2018
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An inspiring statue of Juan Santamaría is of course the centerpiece of this pleasant park, not far from the old cathedral. Juan Santamaría was part of a rag-tag campesino army trying to repel Tennessee pro-slavery advocate William Walker (who had already invaded Nicaragua and was moving down the coast). A doctor-turned-adventurer, Walker hoped to lead a mercenary conquest of Central America and make the whole region pro-slavery. Santamaría (of Alajuela) was a drummer boy in the Costa Rican forces. He volunteered to set fire to a wood fort where Walker’s “army” was holed up. He lit it up, but was shot to death. Walker’s forces retreated north after a 14-minute fight. Santamaría is depicted gripping a torch, charging into possible death. Below the statue are two small cannons on an elevated stage (with a dangerous drop-off; I almost plunged off). Colorful noisy parrots fly around the trees and old buildings by the park. A shoeshine guy is doing a brisk business, lovers stroll, old men read newspapers. There are several nice parks in this area of Alajuela, but this is the only one celebrating the boy hero. Could he have known an international airport would be named in his honor?…
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Date of experience: February 2018
1 Helpful vote
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Nice setting and family environment . We went after a concert with the Costa Rica 's philharmonic at 3pm. I believe it was a lift up from the busy streets.
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Date of experience: December 2016
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