Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Old San Juan
Old San Juan (Viejo San Juan) is the historic heart of Puerto Rico's capital
city. This intimate quarter boasts an astonishing wealth of well-preserved
forts, cathedrals, and convents, as well as colorful mansions and other
important buildings spanning five centuries. The footsteps of friars and
conquistadores seem to echo down cobbled streets and plazas that exude
plenty of colonial charm. Easily walkable, the narrow, shaded streets of
Old San Juan are lined with museums, hotels, restaurants, boutiques, and
trendy bars. No museum piece, this lively quarter is a thriving community
where families gather to enjoy the irresistible ambience.
Top 10 Features
1 Casa Blanca
2 Fortaleza San Felipe
del Morro
3 Castillo de San Cristóbal
4 Plaza de San José
5 Plaza del Inmigrante
6 Paseo de la Princesa
7 Catedral de San
Juan Baútista
8 Plaza de Armas
9 Parque de las Palomas
0 Instituto de Cultura
Puertorriqueña
Statue of an immigrant at
Plaza del Inmigrante
Shorts are fine for
exploring the old city,
but should not be
worn in churches or
upscale restaurants.
Women should cover
their shoulders and
dress modestly when
entering churches.
!
Casa Blanca
Considered the oldest
continually occupied
structure in the western
hemisphere, Casa Blanca
(1521)
(below)
was built for
Ponce de León
(see p30)
.
It now houses a museum.
The El Patio de Sam
(see p64)
is ideal for
a cool drink, snack,
or simple meal.
@
Fortaleza San Felipe
del Morro
This fortress
(main image)
guards the entrance to San
Juan's harbor and took over
200 years to complete. Its
stone ramparts rise six
levels, and feature cannons
that point out to sea. A
museum displays military
uniforms and weaponry.
• Casa Blanca: Map T5;
Calle San Sebastián 1;
787 725 1454; currently
closed for renovation
• Fortaleza San Felipe
del Morro: Map S4;
Calle del Morro;
787 729 6777; open
9am-5pm; adm $3
• Catedral de San Juan
Baútista: Map U6;
Plazuela de la Monjas
• Instituto de Cultura
Puertorriqueña: Map T5;
Calle del Morro; 787 724
0700; open 8am-noon
& 1-4:30pm Mon-Fri;
www.icp.gobierno.pr
Castillo de
San Cristóbal
This massive fortress, built
between 1634 and 1783,
features seven convoluted
lines of defence connected
by moats and tunnels
(right)
. It contains cannons
as well as an interesting
museum
(see pp10-11)
.
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