Military Mistakes, Military Marvels: Old San Juan’s Fortifications
By:Travel & Sports Staff, June-2008
For almost 300 years, from Puerto Rico’s colonization in 1508 until the early 1800s, the Island’s strategic location at the Gateway to the West Indies made it a constant target for enemy powers in the Caribbean. Consequently, San Juan (today’s Old San Juan) was a Spanish military town. Defense was of primary concern; everything else suffered.
Even so, defense building did not get off to a promising start. The first fort was Casa Blanca, a blockhouse of limited military use, built in 1523. This was the residence ... (more)
A guided walk through the streets of Old San Juan to learn about the diverse components of this historic city's ecology and discover how the varied ecology impacted the city’s development. Fridays and Saturdays at 9am. Reservations required.
As you weave your way through the shops of Old San Juan, you will find some of the best examples of work produced by artisans throughout Puerto Rico. Call this number for a list of artisans in San Juan.
787-722-7389 787-721-5254FX
206 Tetuán St. Banco Popular Bldg. 3rd Fl.
On Rails : another way of moving in Old San Juan. An exhibit presenting a proposed evolution of light rail transportation in Old San Juan (Includes a 38'long mockup, with OSJ structures.
787-721-2400 787-725-4417FX
West Recinto St. & La Princesa St. gotopuertorico.com
Beautifully restored building now home to rotating art exhibits and the executive office of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company. Guided tours by reservation.
Neoclassic building built in 1847 by the Spanish Marines. Used as quarters, warehouse and ship repair shop up to 1898. Now an Institute of Puerto Rican Culture Art Exhibition Center.
787-724-0700 787-724-8488 787-723-1822FX
End of Norzagaray St. icp.gobierno.pr
Home of the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture. Here you can find information about cultural activities around the Island. The Asilo also has a gallery where it exhibits works of art.
787-724-0700 787-724-8488 787-723-1822FX
Cristo St. icp.gobierno.pr
This is a small open-air chapel at the southern end of Cristo St. Legend has it that the chapel celebrates a miracle that prevented a boy and his horse from plunging off the city wall. The truth, however, is that the horse and rider both fell to their deaths and the chapel was built to assure that this type of accident would not happen again. The chapel contains a number of museum-quality religious artifacts.
787-724-1565 787-724-4648 787-977-2224FX
Ponce de León Ave.
The Capitolio was constructed in the 1920s to house the offices of the senators and representatives. The Puerto Rican Constitution, approved in 1952, is on display. Call for reservations.
787-725-1454 787-977-2700 787-723-7837FX
1 San Sebastián St. icp.gobierno.pr
Casa Blanca was built as a reward for Governor Juan Ponce de León, who died before he could move in. His family, however, stayed in residence for over 250 years. It is a museum of 16th and 17th century family life. Groups must reserve in advance.
787-977-2700 787-977-2701 787-723-7837FX
319 Fortaleza St. & Callejón de la Capilla. icp.gobierno.pr
A museum showing the lifestyle of well-to-do 19th century Puerto Rican families. On the second floor of one of the oldest buildings in Old San Juan, the Casa del Callejón.
787-722-5882 787-722-5834 787-722-5872FX
155 Tetuán St. fideicomiso.org
Headquarters for the Island's Conservation Trust. You can view a short documentary film & enjoy interactive exhibits. The Trust's responsibilities include the Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve in Fajardo & the Hacienda Buena Vista near Ponce.
In this 18th century house you will find displays of the art of printing and bookmaking, plus a collection of rare books, some pre-dating the 15th century.
Built in the 1520s, an authentic example of neoclassic architecture and a beautiful and elegant church. Famous for its masses and processions. Located in Old San Juan, this structure houses the tomb of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León.
Currently used as an acting school, this building is one of Puerto Rico's very first theaters. It is also the only building of the Spanish Comedic Corral style. Built in the 18th century with characteristic roofed interior balconies.
787-729-6777 787-729-6960 787-289-7165FX
501 Norzagaray St. nps.gov
Largest military fortification in the Americas. Used to protect the city from land attacks and El Morro's partner in defending San Juan. Its oldest section was built in 1634, and last redesigned in 1783. On 20 acres, reaching a height of 150 feet. A US National Park since 1949 and a World Heritage Site since 1983. Great tour and great view of the cruise ships in the bay.
787-729-6777 787-289-7972FX
501 Norzagaray St. nps.gov
Part of the largest and best-preserved Spanish fortifications in the New World. Sited at the entrance to San Juan Bay to protect the city from sea attacks and serve as the gateway to New Spain. Started in 1540, it took 250 years to take its present form. It has 6 levels, reaches a height of 140 feet and has walls up to 20 feet thick. A unit of the US National Park Service since 1949 and a World Heritage Site since 1983. A great tour.
787-977-2700 787-977-2701 787-723-7837FX
Convento de los Dominicos, Norzagaray St. icp.gobierno.pr
This gallery is located in the old Santo Domingo Convent, a colonial structure of the 16th century. It displays a collection of Puerto Rican paintings that belongs to the National Collection of the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture.
Currently closed for restoration. This is the second oldest church (1532) in the Western Hemisphere. It features many historic religious artifacts and a remarkable series of vaulted ceilings. Ponce de León's coat of arms hangs above the altar.
787-721-7000 ext 2211 2323 787-723-6068FX 787-977-5025FX
1 Fortaleza St. fortaleza.gobierno.pr
Also known as Palacio de Santa Catalina, this beautiful palazzo has been the home to governors of Puerto Rico since 1544. It is recognized as the oldest Executive Mansion in continuous use in the Western Hemisphere and in 1983 was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. An architectural jewel worth visiting. Guided tours of the gardens in English (every hour on the hour) and Spanish. Tours are subject to change without notice. Entrance Fee is a suggested donation of $3.00 per person, reservations required for groups over 15 persons. Call for schedule. We reserve the right of admisson.
787-977-2700 787-977-2701 787-723-7837FX
319 Fortaleza St. icp.gobierno.pr
Located on the first floor of the Casa del Callejón, this museum displays objects and equipment characteristic of small, 19th century Puerto Rican pharmacies.
On the second floor of the Antiguo Cuartel de Infantería de Ballajá. This museum presents, in permanent and rotating exhibits, a vision of the history and cultures of the Americas from the Pre-Colombian era to the present.
787-724-4294 787-977-2700 787-723-7837FX
Casa de los Contrafuertes, Plaza San José. icp.gobierno.pr
The mission of the Museum is to further the knowledge and appreciation of the diversity of the African culture in the Puerto Rican community and to demonstrate the different connections between African and Puerto Rican culture.
The permanent exhibition portrays San Juan's history from its natural origins to today. The temporary hall hosts major exhibitions on a rotating basis. The New Tendencies Hall features contemporary Puerto Rican artists.
787-723-1897 787-724-7239 787-722-7229FX
51 Caleta de San Juan. preb.com
Felisa Rincón de Gautier was the first woman mayor of San Juan. She served the city for 22 years. This museum, in a classic Old San Juan home, displays historical documents and artifacts reflecting this remarkable woman and her times.
This small and intimate museum is the Spanish master's legacy to the people of Puerto Rico. The museum collection includes manuscripts, photographs and a library of videotapes of Festival Casals concerts (played on request).
Atop the City Wall overlooking La Princesa, the bay and the cruise ship docks. A famous park where families with young children go to feed the pigeons.
This plaza, featuring four statues representing the four seasons, is the central plaza for Old San Juan and has served as a meeting place for generations.
A beautiful fountain and statue of Christopher Columbus grace this plaza on the east side of Old San Juan. The plaza honors the 400th anniversary of Columbus' discovery of Puerto Rico.
The cornerstone of Puerto Rico's commemoration of the 500th anniversary of Columbus' discovery of the New World in 1492. Dominated by a giant stone pillar.
A historic plaza, best known for the statue of Juan Ponce de León. Bordered on the north side by the San José church and on the east side by the Pablo Casals Museum.
On the city wall above the San Juan Gate, this plaza commemorates a successful effort by a bishop leading a torchlight procession to frighten off the British during a 1797 attack on the city.
Dating back to 1520, this is one of the few remaining original entrances in the city wall. Passing through the gate, you can walk along the city wall to the La Princesa fountain.
787-721-0180 787-721-0169 787-723-2073FX
Plaza Colón.
This elegant theater, constructed in 1832, is one of the oldest theaters in the Western Hemisphere. It still hosts a variety of fine arts: plays, ballets and concerts.
866-376-7577 787-721-5100 787-721-1111FX
Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel.
Voted the "friendliest" casino in San Juan, enjoy our warm and welcoming atmosphere, while playing one of our 309 state-of-the-art slot machines, table games including Blackjack, Caribbean Stud, Roulette.
216-538-0475
04/16/2010 - 04/18/2010
El Morro and San Cristobal forts.
This is a re-enactment of the defensive battle against the British invasion of 1797. True daily life is featured with uniforms of the different troops in an actual encampment.
787-722-5882 787-722-5834 787-722-5872FX
Year-round 01/01/2009 - 12/31/2009
Casa Ramón Power y Giralt, 155 Tetuán St. fideicomiso.org
A guided walk through the streets of Old San Juan to learn about the diverse components of this historic city's ecology and discover how the varied ecology impacted the city’s development. Fridays and Saturdays at 9am. Reservations required.
787-724-1844 787-721-5274 787-721-4467FX
05/16/2010 - 05/17/2010
98 Norzagaray St., Instituto de Cultura. icp.gobierno.pr
This week commemorates what is, perhaps, the top artistic expression of the Puerto Rican culture: the danza music. Local composers, such as Juan Morell Campos, were inspired to write about romantic confessions, lost loves and shared affections, which became the predominant themes in this type of music that is characterized by soft, engaging melodies. Our national anthem, La Borinqueña, is Puerto Rico's best-known and most sentimental danza.
Annual festival held on San Sebastián Street. Nightly celebrations with music, processions, typical food, graphic arts and handicrafts exhibitions. A major event.
Traditionally the gift-giving day in Puerto Rico. Children open the gifts left the night before by the Three Kings. Island-wide festivals with music, parades, puppet shows & troubadours. An all-day gift-giving is held for children in Old San Juan.
787-722-5882 787-722-5834 787-722-5872FX
155 Tetuán St. fideicomiso.org
The Trust is headquartered in the historic Casa de Ramón Power y Giralt. Exhibits are open to the public Tue-Sat 10am-4pm. Call for reservations to tour the Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve (Fajardo) & Hacienda Buena Vista (Ponce).
Renowned selections from over 100 artists in jewelry, clothing and imaginative items, for over 30-years, Also 2 short term rental units. See our website for details.
Ask for any special travelandsports.com offers when you call.
787-722-0991 787-724-8085 787-725-1097FX
262-264 San Francisco St. costazulsurfshop.com
Authorized Retailer for Puerto Rico of all major industry brands. Sunglasses, shorts, bikinis, souvenirs etc. We specialize in Beach, Resort and Casual apparel for men, women and children.
San Juan: Viejo San Juan:
Ask for any special travelandsports.com offers when you call.
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