Students Promenade, pedestrian zone, previously a street
Students Promenade is a pedestrian walkway in San Jose that runs from the Iglesia de La Soledad church to the Liceo de Costa Rica school. The paved street is lined with trees for shade and dotted with small shops, cafes, and benches where people rest and gather.
The street was named after students who gathered in 1919 to protest against dictatorship, marking an important moment of resistance. A monument by artist Edgar Zúñiga erected in 2016 commemorates this legacy and the role of young people in defending their rights.
The promenade honors students from local high schools who protested against government oppression in the early 1900s, gathering in front of the nearby church. This historical connection shapes how people experience the space today as a place of remembrance and civic action.
The walkway is easy to navigate on foot and offers plenty of space to move around, with numerous benches for resting along the route. Good lighting and proximity to the church and school make it a safe and accessible destination for visitors at any time of day.
The area was expanded in 2012 with a Chinatown district, the first of its kind in Central America, featuring shops, restaurants, and a large decorative arch. This unexpected cultural addition merges the street's protest history with contemporary economic and cultural development.
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