Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
$
Casa Morales
3/$=$)0
48,21(6
The Victorian-inspired photo-
genic Casa Morales
(main image)
,
a private residence built in 1898,
stands on a corner of Plaza Santo
Domingo. Its design reflects the
US influence on the island.
3/$=$
6$172'20,1*2
^
Casa Lola Rodríguez de Tió
%
Plaza Francisco Mariano
Built in the 17th century, this
mansion was occupied by family
members of explorer Ponce de León
(see p30)
, and by patriot-poet Lola
Rodríguez de Tió (1843-1924), who
designed the Puerto Rican flag.
&
Iglesia de San
Quiñones
This oblong square, a popular spot for
locals to gather and gossip, features
topiary and is graced by wrought-iron
benches and an 18th-century church.
Germán de
Auxerre
This Neo-Classical
church, which rises over
Plaza Francisco Mariano
Quiñones, was
completed in 1848. It
boasts an impressive
crystal chandelier
(below)
and trompe l'oeil.
*
Evening Paseo
(
Casa Acosta
y Forés
Considered one of the
most beautiful homes in
Puerto Rico, this mansion
exemplifies the island's
Art Nouveau architecture
era with its Victorian-
inspired elements.
Locals gather at dusk
to promenade along the
town's twin plazas, both
of which have cobble-
stone streets and shady
trees that lend San
Germán a romantic
yesteryear air.
Pirate Past
Supposedly, many of
San Germán's wealthy
inhabitants derived their
income as pirates, or as
wreckers who lured
ships onto the rocks,
although this is more
apocryphal than fact.
The township was
founded in 1511 at the
mouth of the Río
Guaorabo, but attacks
by French corsairs in
1528, 1538, and 1554
forced the residents to
re-establish their town
at the present site.
)
Casa Juan Ortíz Perichi
Built in 1920, this home, which is one block south
of Plaza Santo Domingo, is a classic example of
ornamental architecture and features elegantly curved
balconies and a pitched roof
(above)
.
25
Sign up for DK's email newsletter on
traveldk.com
