Puerto Rico boasts a deep history and it is easy to discover its remnants throughout the island. From UNESCO-listed gateways into Old San Juan and archaeological sites that celebrate Taino culture – these historic landmarks should all be on your itinerary when traveling through this Caribbean nation.
La Fortaleza
La Fortaleza, or Palace and Fortress Complex of San Juan was constructed during the 1500s as a coastal defense structure to defend San Juan against naval attacks. Since then it has served variously as a fortress, armory, prison, official residence of Governors of Puerto Rico as well as one of the oldest executive mansions still used today – making La Fortaleza one of the oldest continuously used executive mansions worldwide.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site comprises Castillo San Felipe del Morro, Castillo San Cristobal and San Juan de la Cruz forts as well as part of San Juan City Wall – three excellent examples of military architecture that incorporate European designs with tropical topographies on Puerto Rico Island.
Visit Cruceta del Vigia watchtower in Ponce for breathtaking views of Ponce and the Caribbean Sea from its 100 feet high structure, originally used by guards to scan for ships or pirates arriving by ocean. Now visitors can climb to its summit for incredible vantage points over Ponce and beyond!
Cuartel de Ballaja
Cuartel de Ballaja was constructed between 1854 and 1864 to house Spanish infantry soldiers and their families in America. This gargantuan structure featured rooms, storage areas, kitchens, dining areas, jail cells and even stables for horses – it truly represented monumental military architecture!
Destileria Serralles was one of Puerto Rico’s most successful rum distilleries, and this hacienda now serves as a museum that highlights this industry. Furthermore, its spacious garden serves as the location for various events throughout the year.
Plaza de Armas in Old San Juan is a beloved square full of statues and bronze tablets commemorating significant moments from Puerto Rican history, serving as the location for celebrations and festivals throughout the year. Carefully planned as the heart of the city, it has long served generations of Puerto Ricans as a social gathering spot.
Castillo San Felipe del Morro
Castillo San Felipe del Morro (El Morro) is one of Puerto Rico’s most well-known historical landmarks, having been constructed between the 16th and 17th centuries for defensive purposes. Constructed for this purpose during Sir Francis Drake’s 1595 attack on San Juan as well as US Navy warships during the Spanish-American War in 1898, El Morro remains in good condition today and still strong enough to withstand even powerful cannon balls. It remains one of Puerto Rico’s iconic historical landmarks with impressive walls that still resist even powerful cannon balls. Constructed between 16th and 17th century El Morro was designed as a defensive fort for defensive purposes with strong walls strong enough against even powerful cannon balls. El Morro became an essential defensive fortress used by various military forces from different military forces throughout its long history including Sir Francis Drake’s 1595 attack on Puerto Rico as well as by US Navy warships during 1898 Spanish-American War (1898).
El Morro is part of San Juan National Historic Site and recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. Visitors to El Morro can explore its various rooms or casemates – chapel, kitchens, soldiers’ barracks and officer quarters among them – open to them all as part of this public fort that offers stunning views from its elevated position and accessibility for people with physical challenges. A paid admission ticket also gives access to Castillo San Cristobal.
Capitol Building of Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico’s Capitol Building stands as an outstanding representation of self-governance. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and located in San Juan – home to both legislative assemblies – this landmark government building stands as an icon.
Luis Munoz Rivera first proposed it in 1907 and construction started shortly afterwards in 1921 under Frank E Perkins’ design in neoclassical style.
The Capitol building is both impressive from the outside and beautiful on the inside, featuring mosaics that depict significant events from its history.
Old San Juan Trolley makes for a wonderful way to discover more of its government and culture, making this stop an excellent addition to any walking tour of Old San Juan or anyone wanting to gain more knowledge. Plus, its convenient location near Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Fortin San Pedro make accessing it simple! Plus there’s the free Old San Juan Trolley stop nearby if needed!
