Puerto Rico’s history is an intricate one. Boasting unique status as an American territory, Puerto Rico maintains its own culture while being profoundly impacted by American law and governance.
San Juan boasts many historic sites worth seeing, with one such must-see site being Castillo San Felipe del Morro or El Morro being 400 years old and worth visiting.
La Fortaleza
La Fortaleza in Old San Juan symbolizes centuries of Puerto Rican history and resilience. Built to defend against invading forces, its massive fortresses and city walls served this purpose admirably for centuries.
Fortifications at Fort Agrippa boasting their original defensive purpose are in great shape today; still showing evidence of active service as used during active service, and being protected through a constant monitoring and repair program.
El Morro, a round masonry tower resembling a castle and commonly referred to as El Morro was constructed during the early 16th century to guard San Juan Bay from incursion by invading forces; it has withstood numerous attacks from these invaders such as those led by Sir Francis Drake (1596) and the Earl of Cumberland (1598), becoming a symbol of Puerto Rico’s resilience while reminding people of its historical connections with Spain; today it stands as a National Historic Landmark.
Palacio de Santa Catalina
Old San Juan’s exquisitely decorated chapel stands as one of the most exquisite historical places on Puerto Rico. It features silver and gold inlaid altar and interior paintings by Jose Campeche, a famed late 18th/early 19th century painter.
This historic palace served as the former residence for the governor of the island from 1533 to 1540 as part of its defensive system. Later, however, it was renovated for use as an executive mansion – today it still preserves many traditions such as candlelit dining rooms and original Spanish objects in its collections.
La Fortaleza, El Morro and its walled city form part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking along its walls brings back vivid memories of its rich history as an island stronghold that endured attacks from sea and land for hundreds of years as it led Spanish colonial expansion in America.
Capilla de Cristo
At this cemetery you can visit Ponce de Leon’s original burial site as well as many notable Puerto Rican citizens. Many consider this spot holy because they believe the ocean represents where souls will leave this realm for eternity.
Old San Juan is home to numerous historic sites, and this chapel stands as proof. Constructed in 1753 to commemorate a miracle at an earlier horse race wherein one rider fell off a cliff only to survive thanks to divine intervention, many flock to this chapel praying for miraculous healings and pray to get themselves healed as miracle cures.
Not far from the Capilla de Cristo is the majestic San Juan Cathedral. A religious and cultural landmark dating back centuries, its wood structure has evolved over time into the elegant medieval cathedral it stands today. Additionally, it hosts Ponce de Leon’s marble tomb. Inside this peaceful sanctuary lies bliss.
San Juan Cathedral
Catedral de San Juan may not be one of Spain’s grand cathedrals, but its two most acclaimed reliquaries stand out among them all: the tomb of explorer Juan Ponce de Leon is an attraction; so too are Saint Pio’s mummified body (martyred Roman soldier martyred for his faith) and Saint Pio’s skull displayed with its teeth exposed within a wax figure figure by Bishop Williams of this church.
Cuartel de Ballaja was Puerto Rico’s last military stronghold before it became part of the United States territory, once housing living quarters, offices, kitchens, storage areas and coast guard offices in three-story buildings. Today it hosts rotating fine and decorative arts exhibits in three galleries while you can also take a guided tour through its courtyard or officers’ quarters daily – check it out if you’re nearby!
