CARTAGO

city, east-central Costa Rica. Lying at 4,720 feet (1,439 m) above sea level, the city is located on the fertile Central Plateau, at the foot of Iraz Volcano. Cartago was founded in 1563 and was the capital of Costa Rica until 1823. There are, however, no authentic colonial buildings since the town was attacked repeatedly by pirates during the 17th century and has also been damaged severely by earthquakes. The streets have been reconstructed along a grid pattern, and new buildings in colonial style have been erected. The Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels, patroness of Costa Rica, with a famous black Madonna, is a much-frequented place of pilgrimage. Cartago is also known for its Sunday market. Nearby San Jos, the national capital, is accessible via the Pan-American Highway and the Costa Rica Railway. Pop. (1984) 23,928.