Just a short drive from San Jose, in Ciudad Colón you will be surprised to find a unique place which opened doors recently and is still an unfinished project, the Anfiteatro de Villa (Villa Amphitheater), offers a cultural space, with impressive views, a delicious restaurant, a natural amphitheater and underground tunnels that you can discover from the hand of knowledgeable guides.

The place used to be a quarry many years back and close to 25 years ago it was abandoned leaving behind contamination and desolation; some years later, Benoit Dessard a native of Belgium living in Costa Rica, bought the property without a clear idea on what he was going to make of it; however, his kids, at that time 6 and 9 years old, came up with an idea inspired by the game Minecraft. This is how this dream began, and today 3 years later, this property offers 500 meters of underground tunnels that showcase replicas from famous sculptures, beauty and history hidden 40 meters (131 ft) underground that connect to 7 very different rooms that can be used for special events.

Replicas of famous sculptures greet you from the moment you enter the property and are found also inside the tunnels; Michelangelo’s David and Pietá; The Thinker by French sculptor Auguste Rodin in a room that pays tribute to The Divine Comedy of Dante Alighieri; and also contemporary work including some of the amazing artwork Extra Moenia by Matteo Pugliese amaze you in every turn you take.

Outside, the natural amphitheater offers a space for cultural acts with the beautiful surrounding nature as the backdrop and a replica of the famous Trevi Fountain, still under construction, impressive at the distance.

Anfiteatro de Villa is still a work in progress, but amazing none the less. The place is open to the public who can visit and enjoy the views and restaurant or can also take the tour inside the tunnels and rooms.

The tours have a cost of 5500 colones per adult and 4500 for children under 12 years of age, they are open Wednesday through Sunday.