Page 28 - CARIBE TOURIST GUIDE

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Historic sites
10. Parque Vargas
Located between Avenida 1 and 2 on Calle 1. In 1895 the United Fruit Co. donated the necessary land for the creation of a park in the city of Limón, which was created thanks to the efforts of the Governor of the Province, Balvanero Vargas. Vargas spared no effort to create an attractive park, commissioning the captains of various ships arriving at the port to bring him tropical trees from Cuba and Jamaica (Indian laurels, crotons and palms) and hired the Frenchman Andres Bonife, who lived on the island of Martinique, to design the park. A classic design, inspired by the lines of Versailles, was chosen for a space of 16,800 m2. The result was a green space with tropical characteristics, where the thick vegetation created a microclimate.
In 1905, it was named Vargas Park in honor of Balvanero Vargas. Towards the end of the 19th century, a prefabricated Victorian-style metal kiosk with an octagonal floor plan (similar to the first kiosk in Parque Morazán) was installed. However, in 1911 it was decided that the kiosk would be replaced with another one made from reinforced concrete with Neoclassical designs. This kiosk also has an octagonal floor plan, with corner columns and four staircases. It also has vegetal and animal decorations typical of art noveau. It was designed by César Rivaflecha. It was declared to be historical architectural heritage on June 26, 1995.
11. Limón Municipal Market
It is located between Avenida 2 and 3 and Calle 3 and 4. Built in 1893, its current appearance mainly reflects a remodeling during the first two years of the Calderón Guardia administration (1940-1944). Its design, influenced by art deco, is very similar to the market in Kingston, Jamaica. A closed style was adopted for reasons of hygiene, ornamentation and security.
It was declared to be historical architectural heritage on September 22, 1998.
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