Manatí
The “Athens of Puerto Rico.” By:Travel & Sports Staff, June-2008
The town was named after the local marine life: the manatees found along the north shore. Manatí has a rich artistic and literary heritage, and its name, the “Athens of Puerto Rico,” traces back to the early 1900’s when Manatí was the literary capital of the Island.
Important historical sites include the Iglesia Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria, a National Historic Monument from 1729. At El Paseo de la Atenas, on McKinley St., you will find the Biblioteca Municipal Francisco Alvarez (City Hall library) and the ... (more)
Playa Los Tubos y Area Recreativa Los Tubos, /Dean
787-884-3428 787-854-2274FX
Rt 685 (close to downtown). atenas.com
Historic cemetery from the 1900s where various interesting city people are laid to rest, such as Don Antonio Vélez Alvarado, creator of the Puerto Rican flag. On display at the entrance is the antique Atrium Crucifix.
787-884-3428 787-854-2274FX
Padial St. & Baldorioty St. atenas.com
This 1925 Plaza del Mercado (Market Place) has been fully restored and is now a center for the arts, home of the Manatí Youth Symphony Orchestra as well as the Youth Choir (two excellent musical organizations).
787-884-3428 787-854-2274FX
Patriota Pozo St. & Ramos Velez St. atenas.com
This 1920s historic and architectural landmark was fully restored in 1990. It was the home to one of the last cultural institutions known as "The Casino," which lasted until the 1960s.
787-884-3428 787-854-2274FX
Padial St. & Patriota Pozo St. atenas.com
This beautiful Catholic church, first built in the early 1600s and renovated during the 1700s and 1800s, is a national historic monument and maintains a religious museum. On display outside is the replica of the Atrium Crucifix, the original is in the old National Cemetery. Under the church's floor are the remains of the town's founder Don Sebastian Antonio Durán de Villafañe (18th century).
787-884-6935 787-884-2927FX
Paseo de la Atenas, McKinley St.
The Salón de los Poetas Manuel Joglar Cacho is one of two adjacent Greco-style buildings. Inside, there is a hall honoring Manatí's poets and artists and exhibitions of petroglyphs and caves.
787-884-3428 787-854-2274FX
Betances St. & Quiñones St. atenas.com
Inaugurated in 1938 as part of Manatí's bicentennial celebration, this art deco-style building is a historic monument and has been recently restored. Tours only by Manatí Tourism Office Guide.
787-884-3428 787-854-2274FX
Rt 685 to Rt 648 (end). atenas.com
Part of an important ecosystem that includes mangroves, caves, stalagmites, stalactites, petroglyphs and the sea. Visitors must be cautious around the water, especially when the sea is rough. For those who love surfing and diving the Playa los Tubos is recommended by the Manatí tourism office.
Symbol Key: Sponsors, Balneario, Beaches, Children's Activities, Diving & Snorkeling, Star Listing, Surfing.
787-884-3428 787-854-2274FX
8 Quiñones St., 1st Floor Suite A. atenas.com
Free tour guide service for small and large groups and daily walking tours through the historic zone. Three-hour trolley tour ($4 per person) through Manatí on a 30-person air-conditioned trolley. The trolley tour includes the City's Historic Zone, Mar Chiquita beach and the Cuevas de las Golondrinas caves, among other sites. A free 25-minute video tour "Manatí, the Best Kept Secret" for groups of fifteen or less. Call for reservations.
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