Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Fortuitously, San Germán's semi- abandonment lends it an air of authenticity. It is also
one of the few settlements in Puerto Rico where the central city core hasn't been demeaned
by thoughtless development.
Sights
Iglesia de Porta Coeli
CHURCH
This small, squat building might not look like much, but it is actually one of the oldest sur-
viving ecclesial buildings in the Americas. Originally constructed between 1606 and 1607
on the orders of Queen Isabella of Spain, it once served as the chapel for a Dominican mon-
astery that stood on this site until the 1860s. Atop a long, steep flight of steps overlooking
Plaza Santo Domingo, the current structure dates from 1692. The Porta Coeli ('Heaven's
Gate' in Latin) has an interior with ausubo pillars and roof beams, and a ceiling made from
palm wood, which is typical of construction in Puerto Rico during the 17th and 18th centur-
ies. Inside, a small
museum (Plaza Santo Domingo; admission $1; 8:30am-4:30pm
Wed-Sun)
displays statues of the black Virgin of Montserrat, folksy carvings of Christ
imported from the early days of San Juan, choral books dating back 300 years and other
curios.
San Germán
