UIglesia Colonial de Orosi

The Iglesia Colonial de Orosi, located in the picturesque Orosi Valley, is the oldest church in Costa Rica that is still in use today. Constructed between 1743 and 1766 by Franciscan missionaries, this beautifully preserved building features classic Spanish colonial architecture, with white adobe walls, a red-tiled roof, and a sturdy bell tower. The church's simple yet robust design allowed it to withstand the earthquakes that destroyed so many other colonial-era structures in the country. Inside, visitors can admire the intricate carved wooden altar and religious paintings that were originally brought from Guatemala in the 17th century. An attached former convent now houses a museum of colonial religious art, offering further insight into the country's rich history and culture.