Sutiava
While in Costa Rica in 2008, Rob and I traveled to the small community of Guaitel, to see the Chorotega Indians make their pottery. Here in Leon we have found a connection once again to the Chorotega tribe.
Street view to the centre
Although now a suburb of Leon, the village of Sutiava once was a thriving individual town rich in history of these indigenous people. Today it is still a very close knit town where everyone knows everyone. You don't really need a sign on your business because people just know where to go for their fresh bread, vegetables and other needs.
Although now a suburb of Leon, the village of Sutiava once was a thriving individual town rich in history of these indigenous people. Today it is still a very close knit town where everyone knows everyone. You don't really need a sign on your business because people just know where to go for their fresh bread, vegetables and other needs.
A local restaurant
You will know that you are "entering" Sultiava because of the beautiful boulevard that now separates the two lanes of Calle Ruben Dario. The people are warm and friendly and very accommodating to those of us who's Spanish leaves much to the imagination!
Point of Interest: "the neighbourhood's heavily indigenous population recently decided to change the name from the former Subtiava since they felt the former spelling was derogatory, according to the tourism office in Leon" from Viva Travel Guides
You will know that you are "entering" Sultiava because of the beautiful boulevard that now separates the two lanes of Calle Ruben Dario. The people are warm and friendly and very accommodating to those of us who's Spanish leaves much to the imagination!
Point of Interest: "the neighbourhood's heavily indigenous population recently decided to change the name from the former Subtiava since they felt the former spelling was derogatory, according to the tourism office in Leon" from Viva Travel Guides
Casa Cural Sutiava 1743-1752
Sutiava has many sites and places to visit. One is El Tamarindon, the tree on which the Spanish hung the last king of the Chorotega tribe, Adiact. It is over 600 years old and can be difficult to find. As of 2012 only a portion of the tree remains.
Leading a revolt in 1725 lead to King Adiact's death. Interestingly, although they were forced to submit and eventually join Leon in 1902, the independent spirit of the people still prevails to the present.
Sutiava has many sites and places to visit. One is El Tamarindon, the tree on which the Spanish hung the last king of the Chorotega tribe, Adiact. It is over 600 years old and can be difficult to find. As of 2012 only a portion of the tree remains.
Leading a revolt in 1725 lead to King Adiact's death. Interestingly, although they were forced to submit and eventually join Leon in 1902, the independent spirit of the people still prevails to the present.
Statue of King Adiact
Museo Adiact also contains many artifacts from years gone by. It is located on the main street, adorned with colourful murals so is hard to miss it.
Museo Adiact also contains many artifacts from years gone by. It is located on the main street, adorned with colourful murals so is hard to miss it.
Museo Adiact
The oldest church in Leon, Iglesia San Juan Bautista de Subtiava, is also found here. To appeal to the indigenous people so they would come to worship there a mural of the sun was added to the ceiling.
The oldest church in Leon, Iglesia San Juan Bautista de Subtiava, is also found here. To appeal to the indigenous people so they would come to worship there a mural of the sun was added to the ceiling.
Iglesia San Juan Bautista 1700
A small but vibrant market can be found along the main street also. This is a great place to buy fresh fish and seafood caught that morning at Poneloya and Las Penitas. Also of great importance, this is where you catch the bus to the ocean!
A small but vibrant market can be found along the main street also. This is a great place to buy fresh fish and seafood caught that morning at Poneloya and Las Penitas. Also of great importance, this is where you catch the bus to the ocean!
Cultural buildings and various ruins also add to the appeal of spending some time in Sutiava. If you visit Leon and I hope you do, take an afternoon and explore Sutiava.
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