COSTA RICA
VICINITY OF ESCAZU
Settled 4 kilometres west of San Jose, (connected with capital by extensive suburbs). It has some elegant residence areas. A large group of them are immigrants from Europe and USA. The name Escazu derives from the indigenous word "Izt-kat-zu", which means "resting stone". Centuries back, that place was a crossroad on trails between Indian villages Aserri and Pacaca (near Ciudad Colon, to the west from San Jose), because was settled among others on the half way between those two towns, tired travellers stopped there for rest. The first inhabitants were natives from the Guetaras or Huaca tribes. In 1755 they were forced to leave Escazu and move to the new born capital San Jose. But in 1796 the new houses started being established and from 1796 to 1799 the church of San Miguel was built with the cooperation of the people. (The church was built from magma rocks).
On May 28, 1920, the government of Costa Rica granted Escazu the status of City, head of the Canton (County) of Escazu. Sometimes, Escazu is called "The City of the Witches". According to legends, all witches of Escazu were good witches. Probably that name comes from medicine compounds, herbs and amulets prepared and made by living there Indian women and. There is a impressive 150-years-old building of USA embassy and founded in 1993 the youth centre "Viva la Tierra". The historic houses are situated on the main square next to the church. On the second sunday of March there is a parade of ox-carts. On January, in San Rafael quarter is held the International Tennis Tournon.
PROVINCE OF SAN JOSE
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