Esparza (Costa Rica)
| Esparza | |
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Coordinates: 9 ° 59 ′ N , 84 ° 40 ′ W
Esparza on the map of Puntarenas province
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| Basic data | |
| Country | Costa Rica |
| province | Puntarenas |
| City foundation | 1577 |
| Residents | 15,575 ( ber . 2006) |
| - in the metropolitan area | 28.093 (canton) |
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| Detailed data | |
| surface | 216.8 |
| Population density | 129.58 inhabitants / km 2 |
| height | 145 m |
| City structure | 5 distritos |
| Time zone | UTC −6 |
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Esparza is a city in the province of Puntarenas in the Central American state of Costa Rica and is the capital of the canton of the same name , which includes 5 districts . The city has access to the Panamericana and therefore with the car easily accessible.
history
Esparza was founded in 1574 by the Spanish conquistador Diego de Artieda Chirino y Uclés and is one of the oldest cities in Costa Rica. The place was integrated into the merchant shipping through the port of Caldera on the Gulf of Nicoya and an important transport hub between Costa Rica and Panama . In the 15th century, Esparza was repeatedly ravaged by pirate attacks, with the worst in 1687, a large fire destroying all buildings and leaving only the church. Even before the raids, trade with Panama had gradually become insignificant and most of the residents were leaving Esparza.
In the 19th century, the city experienced a second heyday because it was on the coffee export route and the railway line between Puntarenas and San José crossed the place. In 1878 the Costa Rican President Tomás Guardia Gutiérrez changed the name of the city to Sparta. It wasn't until 1973 that Esparza got its original name again.
economy
The city's economy is largely agricultural.
climate
The climate in Esparza is tropical .
Attractions
The city's greatest attraction is the Catholic Church, which dates back to the colonial days.
Sports
Esparza has been the stage of the international cycle race Vuelta a Costa Rica , which takes place every December, for several years . In 2011, the stage race was even started in Esparza, with the local church being the start and finish point of a circuit.
Famous sons and daughters of the city
- Saturnino Lizano Gutiérrez (1826–1905), President of Costa Rica 1882