"National Museum of Costa Rica Thewallsof the National Museum still bear the scars of cannonballs. The museum, formerly the Bellavista barracks, was where prisoners were jailed, in cells that can be visitedby those interested inhow prisons and dungeons worked. Less grim aspects of Costa Rica are explored here, too, including a complete wing on pre-Columbian history and indigenous gold; a national history section, with photos and objects dating from colonial times to independent, republican days; and an area devoted to the country’s natural setting, including a great butterfly garden. In addition to the prison, the building’s past is explored inthe so-called Casas de los Comandantes—in useat theend of the 19th century andcontainingthe era’s luxurious furnishings—as well as another scarred wall. This one iswhere a mace blow was struck to abolish the Costa Rican army, turning the nation into an official land of peace. By Travesías"