Colonial Church of Nicoya

No journey through a region like Costa Rica is complete without experiencing its spiritual and architectural heritage. One such iconic site is the Nicoya Colonial Church—a magnificent example of colonial Baroque and one of the oldest churches in the country.

The building, officially named the San Blas Church, immediately catches the eye with its unusual light-lemon facade. Built from traditional adobe and reinforced with massive wooden beams, the church has preserved the spirit of bygone eras within its walls. The central nave and elegant bell tower make it the centerpiece of the main square in the city of Nicoya.

With a rating of 4.8 based on hundreds of reviews, this site is rightfully considered a must-visit for anyone who appreciates history and classical architecture. Surrounded by picturesque streets, the church serves not only as a religious center but also as an important cultural landmark for the entire Guanacaste province.

To clarify details before your visit or to find out about Mass times, you can use the following contact information:

The main reason travelers come here is the opportunity to touch living history. It is worth taking a close look at the detailed facade with its Baroque ornaments and figures of saints. Inside the church, a peaceful atmosphere reigns, where authentic decor and ancient artifacts help transport you several centuries back in time.

One of the most memorable moments of your visit will be the climb up the bell tower. From there, you can enjoy an excellent panoramic view of the city surroundings and the central square. Additionally, the church building, with its characteristic lemon color, provides the perfect backdrop for vibrant photos, especially in the glow of the morning sun.

As this is an active church, religious services and festive Masses are held regularly. Attending such an event is a wonderful way to see local traditions from the inside. The best time to visit is in the morning hours, when it is not yet too hot and the soft light emphasizes the architectural forms most beautifully.

Finding this architectural landmark is easy, as it is located in the very heart of Nicoya at 4GVW+6M5, 150. The white-and-lemon church building is the dominant structure on the central square, making it an excellent landmark for any traveler.

If you are arriving from other regions, it is most convenient to use the bus services from Liberia or San José. A car trip from Liberia Airport takes approximately 1.5 hours via the scenic Route 18. For maximum flexibility, many tourists prefer to rent a car, especially since there are parking spaces available near the attraction.

Within the city itself, the church is an easy 10–20 minute walk from most central hotels. You can also use local taxis—a trip around the center is quite inexpensive and will save your energy on a hot day.

Built during the colonial period, this church stands as a living testament to Spanish influence in the Guanacaste region. In its construction, craftsmen used traditional materials of the time: adobe (unfired brick made of clay and straw) and massive wooden beams, allowing the building to preserve its authenticity for centuries.

Also known as the San Blas Church, this site has weathered the test of time. After being closed for nearly seven years for structural reinforcement, the church reopened its doors in 2019. A large-scale restoration, in which over $1.2 million was invested, helped carefully restore its historical appearance while preserving every detail of the Baroque facade.

Today, the Nicoya Colonial Church is more than just an architectural monument; it is a symbol of the deep intertwining of indigenous traditions and colonial heritage. It remains the most important spiritual center of one of the oldest settlements in the country, a reminder of the region's rich and multifaceted history.

It usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes to explore this historical site. This is plenty of time to leisurely study the details of the facade, step inside the church, and take a few beautiful photos for your collection.

If you plan to climb the bell tower or linger in the square to observe the slow rhythm of city life, it is worth setting aside about an hour. A visit to the church can easily be combined with a walk through the city center or lunch at one of the nearby restaurants.

The church doors are open to visitors daily, though the schedule may vary slightly depending on services. On weekdays and Saturdays, the church is typically open from 07:00 to 16:00. A special schedule is in place on Thursdays, when visits are possible until 20:00.

Before planning your visit, it is recommended to take into account Mass times and possible restoration work, which may temporarily restrict access to certain halls or the bell tower.

A walk around the central square will allow you to dive deeper into the local atmosphere and complement your cultural program with some pleasant relaxation. Many cozy spots are concentrated near the historic church, where you can try traditional cuisine or simply refresh yourself after your tour.