National Museum of Costa Rica (Bellavista Fortress)

Housed within the striking yellow Bellavista Fortress, this museum tells Costa Rica's rich story from pre-Columbian times through independence, with genuine artifacts and engaging exhibits that bring the nation's past to life. The fortress itself, built in 1870 as a political prison, offers sweeping views of San José from its tower and surrounding grounds, making it as much a historical structure as a repository of national treasures. Walking through these walls, you'll discover indigenous pottery, colonial documents, and galleries that celebrate Costa Rica's cultural evolution in an intimate, personal way.