One of the structures that suffered damage from the 7.6 magnitude earthquake was the colonial church of Nicoya, which was built in 1544. Plans for its restoration are now underway, according to Adrian Vindas, director of the Conservation Center of the Patrimonial Church.

Vindas explained that the major damages are to the vault and the façade, the walls of which split apart and cracked in places and said that the repair of the temple, which is considered part of the Costa Rican architectural heritage, could cost at least 100 million colones ($200,000).

According to the director of the center, the restoration work will initiate next year. However, there is concern about the building since the walls of the church are made of “calicanto,” a material made with stone and lime that doesn’t stand up well in this type of event.

For now, until the restoration work is finished, the church will remain closed to the public.

Source: Voice of Nosara