Basilica de Nuestra Señora de los Angeles (La), Cartago

I lived in Cartago at one time, and this church has always been a place of great importance. There are so many things to see inside including the actual statuette of the Virgin encased in gold, and a side room with cases holding thousands of tokens of thanks for blessings. There is also a little room downstairs showing the history of the virgin. Architecture is beautiful, as is the plaza, and the area alongside the church where folks are always in line for holy water. August 2nd is Day of the Virgin of Los Angeles when people make a pilgrimage from all areas of the country and it's usually crowded, but fun with lots of food and artisans. They usually have concerts and activities a week or so preceding this holiday. Cartago is at the base of the Irazu Volcano, making it a wonderful stop.