Heredia, city, central Costa Rica, capital of Heredia Province, on the central plateau, near San José. It is situated on the Pan-American Highway and on the Costa Rican Railway. Heredia is the center of an important coffee-growing region; economic activities include coffee processing, livestock trading, and the manufacture of soap and matches. It is the site of the National University (1973) and of several 18th-century churches. Founded in 1571, Heredia is one of the oldest cities in the area, but it has declined in importance with the growth of San José. Population (1997 estimate) 76,446.
