Santiago Apostol Parish Ruins, Cartago

Santiago Apostol Parish Ruins (St. James Apostle) are a Costa Rican Cultural Heritage Site in Cartago, Costa Rica.

Several churches dating back to 1575 can be found at the Santiago Apostol Parish Ruins. In 1630, an earthquake ruined the original structure. In 1656, the ruins were destroyed. Another earthquake in 1718 damaged the newest two chapels and church! What is left is the cultural heritage site that is today's Santiago Apostol Parish.

According to folklore, two brothers, one a priest and the other a well-liked man, were among the first immigrants of Cartago. They were both smitten by the same woman, but she selected the popular brother. The priest murders his brother out of envy. In order to atone for his crimes, he built a church. The church was destroyed by an earthquake a year after it was built. Some believe that the quantity of earthquakes that have struck Cartago is linked to a curse. The churches were not completed until 1910, yet the remains continue to draw visitors.

Location: Cartago City, Costa Rica