History Alajuela

el llano old hermitage

in pre-columbian times land canton of alajuela today part of huetar kingdom of west, inhabited native tribes, @ time of spanish conquest led chief garabito.

the first spanish settlers established settlements in region in 1650. in letter of obligation granted in 1864, place mentioned la lajuela in valley of barva, near canoas river.

in 1777, dwellers of la lajuela , ciruelas, having been served notice move villa vieja (today s heredia), requested provisional construction of public place of prayer in house of don dionysius oconitrillo, of spanish origin, 30 metres north of alajuela s cathedral today.

after increases of population in 5 existing quarters then: targuaz, puás, ciruelas, la lajuela , rio grande, citizens faced difficulties maintain religious obligations, requested permission establish parish , public place of prayer bishop of nicaragua , costa rica, monsignor don esteban lorenzo de tristán.

according motion issued in spanish parliament of cádiz on 19 may 1812, first town hall of alajuela founded in 1813. on december 18 of same year, la lajuela quarter obtained title of town , renamed. first called villa hermosa , called san juan nepomuceno de alajuela , title of city granted on 20 november 1824 , name alajuela remains today.

participation in important historical events citizens of alajuela has ensured city s reputation storied place in costa rican history. national hero juan santamaría, died during campaign in 1856 remove invaders threatening costa rica s sovereignty, born in alajuela. historical event celebrated , remembered every year on 11 april , national holiday.

the area experiences earthquakes. 2009 magnitude 6.1 earthquake caused several landslides.