One of the most important places in the history of Costa Rica is the Santa Rosa Hacienda in Guanacaste, where the famous “Battle of Santa Rosa” took place back in March 20, 1856 when a troop of close to 500 Costa Ricans defeated a group of filibusters in a very short battle.

The “Casona” has now become a historical museum that takes visitors into one of the most memorable chapters of the idiosyncrasy of Costa Ricans.

“This is where the culture of the Costa Rican “sabaneros”, fathers of the traditions and Guanacaste culture and important characters of the hard and non-stop work of cattle ranches, comes to life. In addition to this the significant fact that gave an important twist to our nation’s history. The Battle of March 20,1856 (…). Finally, currently, this scenario is part of one of the most exemplary conservation projects in the world, as is the restoration of dry forest and associated ecosystems”, explains the website of the Guanacaste Conservation Area.

This historical museum has focused in rescuing the history and culture that took place in the Santa Rosa Hacienda, the “Casona” (large house) was declared a National Monument in 1966. What used to be the main house of the owners of the estate contributes today with the conservation, investigation, education and recreation of the history and culture of the country.

Santa Rosa was also the first national park in Costa Rica, created in 1971. The historical museum declaration came in 1996 and the park is managed by the Guanacaste Conservation Area.

The Santa Rosa Historical Museum opens from 8 a.m. through 3:30 p.m., in high season the schedule is extended to 5 p.m.