Old San Juan: what to see when visiting Puerto Rico's colonial capital

From my point of view, one of the attractions that it has travel to a Caribbean country It is being able to walk through a city that preserves samples of the traditional Spanish colonial architecture.

And in this regard, after my recent trip to Puerto Rico, I can confirm that the historic center of its capital San Juan, in this respect it is a real gem.

This city, like all of this small island nation, combines the advantages of a typical Caribbean destination with those of a Western country.

Well, indeed, in the historic center known as Old San Juan, you can stroll through narrow cobbled streets with colorful facades of colonial architecture, see heritage remains of the Spanish presence, and the atmosphere typical of Caribbean countries.

And that in a place with characteristics of security and standard of living typical of a Western country, well I remind you that Puerto Rico currently it is a free state associated with the United States.

For this reason I tell you in advance that for travel to Puerto Rico You must meet requirements similar to those for traveling to that country, such as requesting the ESTA form o take out good travel insurance with the appropriate coverage for that country, that is, the maximum possible.

Old San Juan, historic center on the walled Isleta

El Old San Juan occupies a small island known as the Islet of San Juan, which is connected to the rest of the Puerto Rican capital by a bridge.

This area is still partly surrounded by the old wall, and today only about 7.000 people live there, compared to the total population of San Juan, which is 340.000.

But I can tell you that it will be the heart of your visit of Saint John, because that is where the best examples of its colonial architecture.

It's the quintessential tourist area, and you won't be surprised to see large cruise ships in its port.

Its appeal is completed with its cultural offering, which is not lacking in art Galeries or Craft shops.

And also with his cuisine, with restaurants where you can taste the most typical dishes of Puerto Rican cuisine, and its leisure offer, with bars and cocktail bars and where native music has the greatest prominence.

To emphasize that Old San Juan It was declared Heritage awarded by the UNESCO in 1983 for its outstanding historical and architectural value, and specifically for being an exceptional example of European military architecture adapted to the American continent.

This is the experience of visiting Old San Juan, the best thing to see

Before your visit, you should know that the defensive wall of Old San Juan It has a rich history that reflects Puerto Rico's strategic importance in the Caribbean during the Spanish colonial era.

The first fortifications began to be built in 1540 to protect the port and the city of San Juan, initially located on the sites of La Fortaleza and the Castle San Felipe del Morro.

San Felipe del Morro Castle, a 16th-century fortification

In fact, the Morro It should be the first place you should visit in your tour of Old San Juan, and where you will arrive after a walk along a huge grassy esplanade.

When you arrive at the fortification, you'll see that it was initially a circular tower that later evolved into a six-level military structure designed to withstand naval attacks.

Subsequently, many bastions were built, such as the Bastion of Saint Helena and the Bastion of Saint Augustine, equipped with gun ports, some of which you can see.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, El Morro suffered various attacks, but all were repelled.

In fact, after the walls were reinforced during the 17th century, they gained fame as the best defenses in the Atlantic.

Now, during your visit, you can walk along the walls and see various rooms with information about its history.

Ballajá Barracks and Museum of the Americas

Just before starting your walk towards the Morro fortification, you can see a historic building, a trace of the Spanish presence in Puerto Rico.

Specifically, it is the Ballajá barracks, built in 1864 by the Spanish army, and which served as a rmilitary residence to house about a thousand Spanish soldiers and their families.

Its three-story design with a large interior courtyard is a clear example of 19th-century Spanish architecture.

After Spanish-American War From 1898, the building was controlled by the United States Army, which used it as a military hospital during the Second World War.

Finally, in 1976 it was acquired by the Government of Puerto Rico, which years later restored it to convert it into a cultural and educational center where, for example, the Museum of the Americas with exhibitions on colonization and popular arts.

San José Square and monument to Juan Ponce de León

If you head towards the center of Old San Juan, you will pass by the plaza where the monument to Juan Ponce de León, a key figure in the history of Puerto Rico.

This is about the Spanish conquistador who arrived on Columbus's second voyage to America, and who became the first governor of Puerto Rico.

It was in 1508 when he made the first official voyage to this island and when he established the first Spanish settlement called Caparra.

After developing gold mining and agricultural activities, he ceased to be governor in 1511, but is currently known as a key figure in the colonial history of Puerto Rico.

Apart from the statue in the aforementioned square, it is worth noting that his tomb is located in the Cathedral of San Juan Bautista.

Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, the second oldest church in America

This cathedral is the second oldest church in America, as it was initially built of wood in 1521.

It is located in the Felisa Rincón de Gautier Square, the founding square of San Juan, where the The Convent Hotel where we stayed.

Following a fire in 1529, the current stone structure of the cathedral was erected, which has undergone several extensions over the centuries.

In 1978 it was designated a minor basilica by the Pope Paul VI, which demonstrates its historical and spiritual relevance

Plaza de Armas, the main square of Old San Juan

El heart of the historic center of Old San Juan is Plaza de Armas, a central space that was founded in 1521 as the Main Square of the walled city.

The name comes from the military exercises that Spanish troops carried out there.

Until 1851 this square functioned as a market, but in that year it was remodeled to become a public place with fountains and statues.

Previously a place where social gatherings and political activities took place, it now hosts a wealth of cultural and leisure activities.

In the square you can see the building of the City of San Juan which is distinguished by its two twin towers.

San Juan Gate, the former main entrance to the walled city

If for your visit from the Morro If you prefer to go along the walk that follows the walls, you will reach one of the most beautiful corners of them, the Saint John's Gate, in addition to having the best views of La Fortaleza.

Built in 1635 as the main entrance to the walled city, it is the only original gate that remains of the five that formed part of the walls of Old San Juan.

You're sure to be struck by the red color that defines this door and makes it easily recognizable.

Specifically, you find it at the end of the Princess Walk the promenade that borders the bay,

The Fortress or Palace of Santa Catalina

At this point you will be facing the Santa Catalina Palace, known as La Fortaleza, and official residence of the governor of Puerto Rico (currently governor).

This building was built in 1540 and is the oldest surviving executive mansion in the Americas.

Built after authorization of King Charles I Because San Juan was a strategic point for trade between Spain and the New World, it originally had the design of a medieval fortress with four walls, an interior courtyard and a keep.

It was in 1846 that it was adapted for its new function as the official governor's residence, including neoclassical architectural elements, gardens, and swimming pools.

Colon Square

On your walk through Old San Juan, you will reach the emblematic place of the Colon Square.

It is located near the site of the old Door of Santiago, which was the main entrance to Old San Juan from the land side.

In the mid-nineteenth century it was remodeled, and in 1890 a statue of Juan Ponce de León was installed in the center, but in 1893 it was replaced by the current one. Christopher Columbus statue, coinciding with the plaza being renamed, as it was previously called Santiago Square.

There you will be drawn to the building of the old casino built in 1917.

San Cristóbal Castle, Spain's largest fortification in America

On the north side of the square, and protecting it from the sea, is the Castle of San Cristóbal, a defensive structure that began to be built in 1634 and was not completed until 150 years later.

It is the largest fortification built by Spain in the New World and came to complement the maritime defenses of the Castle San Felipe del Morro after an attack by the Dutch in 1625, who sacked part of the city of San Juan.

The design of the castle is in some ways inspired by the fortifications of the Vauban style, with its star shape and the inclusion of pits and platforms for cannons.

During your visit to this fortification, you can explore its tunnels, walls, and sentry boxes.

The Capitol, Legislative Assembly of Puerto Rico

At this point in the Juan Ponce de León Avenue which takes you to the exit of La Isleta, you will see another building that will undoubtedly catch your attention as it did mine.

This is the Capitol, also known as House of Laws, which is the building that houses the Legislative Assembly of Puerto Rico with the Senate and the House of Representatives.

It was in 1921 when construction began following the neoclassical architectural style from other similar buildings in the United States, and was inaugurated in 1929, although it was not until 1961 when the construction of the central dome was completed.

Inside, in a special display case, is kept an original signed copy of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (1952)

Walk of the Presidents

In front of the main facade, you will surely be drawn to the statues of some US presidents.

That place is known as Walk of the Presidents, was inaugurated in 2008 and commemorates the visits made by some of them during their mandate.

Specifically, there are bronze statues of up to nine presidents, including Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Gerald Ford y Obama.

House of Spain in Puerto Rico

Finally I will highlight the building of the House of Spain Located next to the Capitol, which was inaugurated in 1935 to house the private institution founded in 1914, whose purpose is to bring together the Spanish community in the country.

Its architecture will surely catch your attention because of the Moorish elements showing their design.

Hotel El Convento, historic building

On our trip we stayed in a hotel that occupies a old historic building Located in one of the most central squares of Old San Juan.

Specifically, it is the The Convent Hotel, a former convent of cloistered Carmelite nuns that was founded in 1651 with the approval of the king Philip IV.

Today, this 4-star luxury hotel is a popular accommodation for visiting authorities.

From a historical and artistic point of view, the Spanish musician gave concerts in this hotel Pau Casal during his exile on the island, and currently features a room with paintings of Antonio Martorell, Puerto Rico's most famous painter.