The town of Orosí is found in a valley of the Central Plateau, 35 km. from the capital. The first phone was not put in until 1975. However, with the growing conscience of cultural values, and due to the beauty of the place, Orosí has gained tourist importance. On the southeast side of the temple, there is an L-shaped conjstruction that was used as a monastery, and is now a museum. The actual precinct is entered through an arch opening that gives a certain decoration to the space in front of the church, which is now transformed into a garden of thick grass. The image of San José Cabécar, Patron of Orosí is on the eastside of the church, overlooking his town of origin.

The thick adobe walls and the simple architecture give the temple a humble and sober aspect. The white façade marked by a triangular support of a two-pitched roof covered with tile, and a solid tower that joins with the northwest side of the church, make it an organic structure, surrounded by an environment of deep green.

The basilica level of the Orosí church is divided in three small naves with brick pavement and cedar pillars with stone bases. The pillars distribute the naves interiors, while at the same time they hold the wooden roofing up. Originally the artwork was made with a natural cane that is a native building material of the region. There are two chapels in the left nave: The Baptismal Chapel and the Animas Chapel. The Central nave marks the presbytery where the main altarpiece is. Two beautiful altarpieces, maybe brought from the Ujarrás temple, are found on the lateral naves. The sacristy on the right side of the presbytery give way to the small monastery, now turned into a religious artistic museum from the colonial period.

Orosi Museum

The museum is located on the left wing of the temple; it is the oldest one in the country and is divided into various rooms. The first one has plaques with history about the mission, altarpieces made in the old monastery and some liturgical ornaments. The second room has furnishing: Part of an old pulpit, a confessionary, three wax candle holders, a processional cross, an antique chandelier, and the bell that once served in the religious duties of the time. Also there is an urn that holds some of the books from the monasteries library. The third room contains silver works; the most beautiful and representative pieces were placed in three showcases. Contrasting with this, you will find religious clothing that, according to tradition, was bordered in La Antigua, Guatemala. In the fourth room there are polychrome sculptures of the images of the Virgins of Tránsito, Santa Rita, San Isidro, San José and the very antique Virgin of Ujarrás. Many of these are still used for the acts of Easter Week. You may also appreciate an antique dining set, and a dresser with the traditional colors of the colony.

Yet another room contains paintings. The oil-painting of the Virgin of Guadalupe stands out, along with others such as the Immaculate, Our Lady of Carmen, San Miguel and la Dolorosa. Chairs from the monastery complement the showing. The last room is a Franciscan cell: this compound formed by a habit, a bull-skin bed, a closet and a rosary.

Carpentry, Ironworks and knitting classes were taught here, as well as music, Spanish and latin lessons for the Indians. Amongst the most valuable works, there are 5 paintings from Mexico: “The death of San José”, “The Virgin of Carmen”, “The Immaculate Conception”, “The Mercy” and “Archangel Saint Michael”.