Ujarrás

Exploring Ujarrás: A Village Steeped in History and Reverence

Ujarrás, a charming village nestled in the lush Orosí Valley of Costa Rica’s Cartago Province, boasts a rich history and cultural significance. Located southeast of the provincial capital Cartago, Ujarrás sits near the northeastern bank of Lake Cachí, a man-made reservoir formed by damming the Reventazon River. The Cachí Dam itself connects Ujarrás to the town of Cachí on the opposite side of the lake.

A Valley Rich in Nature and History

Ujarrás resides within the Paraíso district of Paraíso canton. This verdant valley, northeast of Orosí, is crisscrossed by rivers and streams, making it ideal for coffee and flower plantations. Nature lovers will find themselves surrounded by breathtaking scenery, while history buffs can explore nearby landmarks like one of Costa Rica’s oldest churches, the Cachí Dam, Tapantí National Park (part of the La Amistad World Heritage Site), and the Lankester Botanical Gardens.

The Enduring Legacy: The Historic Church of Ujarrás

Ujarrás’s enduring claim to fame lies in the ruins of “Nuestra Señora de la Limpia Concepción del Rescate de Ujarrás,” one of Costa Rica’s oldest churches. Built between 1686 and 1693 during the colonial era, this church holds a special place in local folklore. Legends abound about the church’s origins, with one tale describing how native Huetar fishermen discovered a painting of the Virgin Mary in a box and brought it to the village. Inspired by this discovery, the villagers built a church on this very spot to honor the Virgin.

Another version of the story suggests that an indigenous fisherman found a box containing a revered image of the Virgin Mary. Believing it to be divinely immovable, the villagers constructed the church around it. Initially, a simple straw hermitage was built, and the indigenous people called the Virgin Mary “The Queen of the Valleys.” Constructed sometime between 1575 and 1580, the image gained fame for performing miracles for the villagers. When English pirate Henry Morgan attacked in 1666, legend tells that the Virgin Mary herself miraculously repelled the assault.

A Change of Scenery: Ujarrás’s Relocation

Despite its historical significance, Ujarrás faced challenges. In 1833, a devastating flood prompted the government to decree the village’s relocation to a safer area. Several factors contributed to these struggles, including economic hardship – Ujarrás was considered one of the poorer regions in the Spanish empire at the time. Adverse climate and diseases also took their toll. Furthermore, the local building materials, not being particularly earthquake-resistant, added to the vulnerability of the village. Faced with these hardships, the Constitutional Assembly of Costa Rica made the difficult decision to establish a new township.

By the late 18th and early 19th centuries, villagers began abandoning Ujarrás, seeking a new beginning in the township of Paraíso near Llanos de Santa Lucía. They hoped the new location would offer better health and living conditions. However, historical records show that the move did not significantly improve health outcomes or the town’s demographics and educational standards. Recent studies by priest and historian Manuel Benavides suggest that political reasons may have also played a role in the relocation, although more research is needed to confirm this definitively.

A Village Reborn: Ujarrás Today

The indigenous population of Ujarrás, primarily mestizos, is believed to have dwindled by the early 18th century. However, the village’s legacy lives on. One notable resident, priest Florencio del Castillo, even rose to become President of the Courts of Cádiz. Thanks to his efforts, Ujarrás gained the status of a villa in 1813 (though the exact date might require further research).

Today, the evocative ruins of the old church stand as a powerful testament to the village’s history. Every year, on the Sunday closest to April 14, a special mass is held to celebrate the feast of La Virgen de Ujarrás. The church, built using limestone and a traditional technique called calicanto (stone masonry), has undergone several restorations. In 2010, crucial efforts were made to reinforce the main and back facades to withstand earthquakes, and proper drainage systems were installed to protect the historic walls.

A Beacon of Faith and Culture: Ujarrás’s Enduring Significance

The church of Ujarrás, recognized as a National Monument by the Costa Rican government, was submitted for inclusion in the World Heritage List in 1980. While it is not currently on the Tentative List of Heritage Sites, it

Sources:

Wikipedia