TravelVirgins 2009

After the destruction of many of San Jose’s buildings due to the 1888 earthquake, three experimental metal buildings were constructed in San Jose.  This one, Edificio Metalico, was designed in France by Victor Baltard.  The Metal Building is a symbol of the public education system pushed forward by the liberal Costa Rican State at the end of the 19th century.  Just like Morazán Park, it was constructed over a swamp, which was filled and dried, by means of a contract signed with a Belgium factory.  It was constructed with iron that was brought by sea in pieces to be assembled in the country. Since the beginning of the 20th century, this building has housed two primary schools.  For many years this was the largest building in San Jose.

Located at Ave. 5 and Calle 9 it is flanked by two beautiful parks, Espana and Moranza.   This beautiful building is one of the historical buildings you will see if you take the walking tour of central San Jose.