Page 207 - Visitor Guides

SAN JOSÉ SITIES

21. The Costa Rican Post Office 24. The Central Market

Made from solid concrete with an eclectic After the transformation of the Main
style and notable French influence, the Plaza into Central Park, a place
Mail and Telegraph building was built known as the “New Plaza” was
between 1914 and 1917 by the architect chosen as the San José market
Luis Llach. It is a monumental and elegant place. The structure has undergone
structure with beautiful spires and a main many transformations, but it hasn’t
lost its most important aspect: a
entrance with narrow cupolas. Presently, melting pot of cultures within the
apart from the Post Office, it houses the Stamp Costa Rican society and a daily symbol
Museum that allows tourists to learn about the of its cultural heritage that brings together,
development of the Costa Rican Postal Service. day to day, the traditional and the modern.
Open to the public: Mondays to Fridays, from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Mondays to
Saturdays, from 6:30 a.m. to 12 noon Saturdays.
Tel.: (506) 2223-1969 • Fax: (506) 2233-5182 Tel.: (506) 2295-6104

22. The Museum of Stamps and Currency of Costa Rica

The Stamp Museum was created to share and display cultural
products of the Mail System, highlighting the development of
the various communication systems, as well as displaying the
history of the national and international stamp. It is visited by a
large number of foreigners and nationals alike, especially student
groups, of all levels.
Hours: Visitors can participate in project activities such as stamp
exchanges, demonstrations and stamp shows, stamp collecting
courses and advising, as well as educational support.
Tel.: (506) 2223-6918 / 2223-9766 Extension 204-205
Hours: Mondays to Fridays, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

23. The Juan Rafael Mora Porras Monument
(In front of the Post Office) 1814-1860

He was a coffee grower and president of the Republic from
1849-1859 when its independence was recognized by Spain.
He encouraged the fight against the Filibusters during the
National Campaign from 1856-1857. In 1858 he managed
to establish the border with Nicaragua. He was named
“Benemérito de la Patria” in 1850.
The monument represents several ideas: the hard-working USEFUL ADVICE!
laborers on the north end and the campaign of 1856 on the Only use ATMs in public and well-lit places.
south end. There are also two figures: to the east, a Discourage help from strangers. Withdraw your
woman who symbolizes science and, to the west, a money and count it before leaving.
man who symbolizes liberty.