San Juan Historical Buildings (Self Guided), San Juan
One of the oldest capital cities on the American continent, San Juan, Puerto Rico, boasts an old town that is filled to the brim with heritage colonial architecture.
Chief among its historical buildings, La Fortaleza, or The Fortress, is the official residence of the Governor of Puerto Rico and the longest-standing executive mansion in continuous use in America. At the same time, the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist (San Juan Bautista) is the second-oldest cathedral on the continent.
The Arsenal (El Arsenal): This structure once served as a warehouse for military supplies and today is a museum showcasing Puerto Rico's military history.
Another iconic building in the heart of Old San Juan is the Chapel of Christ (Capilla del Cristo). This charming chapel is famous for its picturesque location and is a popular spot with tourists seeking a glimpse of its historical charm.
The San José Church (Iglesia de San José) is a testament to the island's religious history and artistry.
Meanwhile, the Ballaja Barracks (Cuartel de Ballajá) is an old military installation turned cultural center. Nowadays, it houses art exhibitions and serves as a hub for cultural events.
The White House (Casa Blanca) Museum is the former family home of Juan Ponce de León, the first Governor of Puerto Rico. Visitors can explore the history of the Ponce de León family and the colonial era.
The striking pink-colored Casa Rosa building stands out in Old San Juan. While it's privately owned and not open to the public, its architecture is a part of the city's character.
Finally, the School of Plastic Arts and Design of Puerto Rico is a modern institution as such which is housed in a listed 19th-century building that attests to the creative legacy of the region.
A stroll through San Juan's Old Town is bound to present you with a historical sight practically at every turn. Whether you are a history buff or in love with colonial style, you will find this self-guided walk equally rewarding with a chance to appreciate the beauty and cultural significance of the city's architectural treasures.
Chief among its historical buildings, La Fortaleza, or The Fortress, is the official residence of the Governor of Puerto Rico and the longest-standing executive mansion in continuous use in America. At the same time, the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist (San Juan Bautista) is the second-oldest cathedral on the continent.
The Arsenal (El Arsenal): This structure once served as a warehouse for military supplies and today is a museum showcasing Puerto Rico's military history.
Another iconic building in the heart of Old San Juan is the Chapel of Christ (Capilla del Cristo). This charming chapel is famous for its picturesque location and is a popular spot with tourists seeking a glimpse of its historical charm.
The San José Church (Iglesia de San José) is a testament to the island's religious history and artistry.
Meanwhile, the Ballaja Barracks (Cuartel de Ballajá) is an old military installation turned cultural center. Nowadays, it houses art exhibitions and serves as a hub for cultural events.
The White House (Casa Blanca) Museum is the former family home of Juan Ponce de León, the first Governor of Puerto Rico. Visitors can explore the history of the Ponce de León family and the colonial era.
The striking pink-colored Casa Rosa building stands out in Old San Juan. While it's privately owned and not open to the public, its architecture is a part of the city's character.
Finally, the School of Plastic Arts and Design of Puerto Rico is a modern institution as such which is housed in a listed 19th-century building that attests to the creative legacy of the region.
A stroll through San Juan's Old Town is bound to present you with a historical sight practically at every turn. Whether you are a history buff or in love with colonial style, you will find this self-guided walk equally rewarding with a chance to appreciate the beauty and cultural significance of the city's architectural treasures.
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San Juan Historical Buildings Map
Guide Name: San Juan Historical Buildings
Guide Location: Puerto Rico » San Juan (See other walking tours in San Juan)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 9
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Author: leticia
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: Puerto Rico » San Juan (See other walking tours in San Juan)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 9
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Author: leticia
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- El Arsenal (The Arsenal)
- Capilla del Cristo (Chapel of Christ)
- La Fortaleza (The Fortress)
- Cathedral of San Juan Bautista
- Iglesia de San José (San José Church)
- Cuartel de Ballajá (Ballaja Barracks)
- Casa Blanca Museum (White House Museum)
- Casa Rosa (The Pink House)
- School of Plastic Arts and Design of Puerto Rico
1) El Arsenal (The Arsenal)
Located on La Puntilla Street, El Arsenal was built in 1791 as a Spanish naval station. Later the building became a citadel, which contained a storage room, offices, living sectors, workshops, a coast guard, kitchens and its own chapel. It features a combination of architectural styles and is now home to three exposition galleries.
The Arsenal played an interesting role in the American-Spanish War in the latest 19th century. After the United States invaded Puerto Rico in 1898 and defected the Spanish army, the island was ceded to the US as part of the Treaty of Paris. The US military allowed the remaining Spanish troops to remain in the Arsenal until they could be transported out of the Island, so Arsenal was the last place where the Spanish Empire in the Americas.
There are still some old canons on display at the Arsenal. The place offers an awesome view of the harbor - it is a fantastic spot for taking Instagram photos!
The Arsenal played an interesting role in the American-Spanish War in the latest 19th century. After the United States invaded Puerto Rico in 1898 and defected the Spanish army, the island was ceded to the US as part of the Treaty of Paris. The US military allowed the remaining Spanish troops to remain in the Arsenal until they could be transported out of the Island, so Arsenal was the last place where the Spanish Empire in the Americas.
There are still some old canons on display at the Arsenal. The place offers an awesome view of the harbor - it is a fantastic spot for taking Instagram photos!
2) Capilla del Cristo (Chapel of Christ) (must see)
Capilla del Cristo (Chapel of Christ), is a small chapel located in the Old San Juan Historic District of Puerto Rico. Built in the 18th century, the structure has become a cultural icon of Puerto Rico and was saved from demolition in the 20th century. Most of the articles located at its altar are from 1753.
The chapel with its belfry is located in the Old San Juan Historic District in the western section of San Juan Islet, at the end of Cristo Street, now a pedestrian walkway. It sits on top of the old city walk. The chapel is a major tourist attraction in San Juan. Inside the chapel there is a famous painting called El Milagro ("The Miracle").
According to the legend, during a horse race that was taking place on the street where the chapel is located, a young rider and his horse took a bad fall and the rider went over the city wall but was miraculously saved. In a famous book about Puerto Rican legends, it says that the horse was killed but the rider lived. Afterwards, permission was granted to build the Catholic chapel and many festivals have been held, over the years, at the location to celebrate the miracle.
The chapel is open to publish on Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 to 18:00.
The chapel with its belfry is located in the Old San Juan Historic District in the western section of San Juan Islet, at the end of Cristo Street, now a pedestrian walkway. It sits on top of the old city walk. The chapel is a major tourist attraction in San Juan. Inside the chapel there is a famous painting called El Milagro ("The Miracle").
According to the legend, during a horse race that was taking place on the street where the chapel is located, a young rider and his horse took a bad fall and the rider went over the city wall but was miraculously saved. In a famous book about Puerto Rican legends, it says that the horse was killed but the rider lived. Afterwards, permission was granted to build the Catholic chapel and many festivals have been held, over the years, at the location to celebrate the miracle.
The chapel is open to publish on Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 to 18:00.
3) La Fortaleza (The Fortress) (must see)
La Fortaleza, or the Fortress, is the current official residence of the Governor of Puerto Rico. Built between 1533 and 1540 to defend the harbor of San Juan, it is the oldest executive mansion in the New World. During the 1640 reconstruction, the chapel of Santa Catalina, then located outside the city walls, was demolished and integrated into the complex, which, upon that, assumed the new (current) name, Palacio de Santa Catalina.
La Fortaleza was the first defensive fortification built in San Juan, and the first of the series of military installations designed to protect the city, among which were the Fort San Felipe del Morro and Fort San Cristóbal. The construction was authorized by Charles V, the Holy Roman Emperor, as a defensive measure against the attacks from Carib Indians and the rivaling European powers.
The fortress underwent massive reconstruction in 1846 to convert from military use to a palatial residence. Since then, La Fortaleza has been the home to more than 170 governors of Puerto Rico and hosted various dignitaries, including President John F. Kennedy and his wife, Jacqueline Kennedy, who stayed here in 1961. At present, the complex consists of a few attached buildings with formal living quarters on the second floor, and private quarters on the third. The palace overlooks the high city walls fronting the bay, and its northern part contains sheltered gardens and a swimming pool.
The complex has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983 and as such may present definite interest to both history and architecture buffs with a taste for Spanish designs.
La Fortaleza was the first defensive fortification built in San Juan, and the first of the series of military installations designed to protect the city, among which were the Fort San Felipe del Morro and Fort San Cristóbal. The construction was authorized by Charles V, the Holy Roman Emperor, as a defensive measure against the attacks from Carib Indians and the rivaling European powers.
The fortress underwent massive reconstruction in 1846 to convert from military use to a palatial residence. Since then, La Fortaleza has been the home to more than 170 governors of Puerto Rico and hosted various dignitaries, including President John F. Kennedy and his wife, Jacqueline Kennedy, who stayed here in 1961. At present, the complex consists of a few attached buildings with formal living quarters on the second floor, and private quarters on the third. The palace overlooks the high city walls fronting the bay, and its northern part contains sheltered gardens and a swimming pool.
The complex has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983 and as such may present definite interest to both history and architecture buffs with a taste for Spanish designs.
Sight description based on Wikipedia.
4) Cathedral of San Juan Bautista (must see)
The Cathedral of San Juan Bautista is the Roman Catholic temple and the seat of the Archdiocese of San Juan de Puerto Rico. This is one of the oldest buildings in San Juan and the second-oldest operational church in the Americas. Traditionally, travelers entering San Juan Gate would make this cathedral their first stop in the city to thank God for their safe journey.
It sits on the site of a grammar school, established in 1513 by Bishop Alonso Manso. This was the first school in Puerto Rico (and the oldest school in the United States after Puerto Rico became a US territory). Here, the Latin language, literature, history, science, art, philosophy, and theology were taught free of charge.
The very first, wooden, church on this spot was built in 1521. It was destroyed by a hurricane, and the current temple of stone was built in its place, in 1540. The church was remodeled several times over the course of centuries, most recently in 1917.
The cathedral contains the tomb of the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León. It also houses a shrine dedicated to the Blessed Carlos Manuel Rodríguez Santiago, the first Puerto Rican and the first Caribbean-born layperson (much as the first layperson in the history of the United States) to be beatified.
The Cathedral of San Juan Bautista is also unique as a rare example of medieval Spanish architecture in the New World.
It sits on the site of a grammar school, established in 1513 by Bishop Alonso Manso. This was the first school in Puerto Rico (and the oldest school in the United States after Puerto Rico became a US territory). Here, the Latin language, literature, history, science, art, philosophy, and theology were taught free of charge.
The very first, wooden, church on this spot was built in 1521. It was destroyed by a hurricane, and the current temple of stone was built in its place, in 1540. The church was remodeled several times over the course of centuries, most recently in 1917.
The cathedral contains the tomb of the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León. It also houses a shrine dedicated to the Blessed Carlos Manuel Rodríguez Santiago, the first Puerto Rican and the first Caribbean-born layperson (much as the first layperson in the history of the United States) to be beatified.
The Cathedral of San Juan Bautista is also unique as a rare example of medieval Spanish architecture in the New World.
Sight description based on Wikipedia.
5) Iglesia de San José (San José Church)
San Jose Church (Iglesia de San Jose), located in Old San Juan, is one of the first significant works of architecture on the island. The church was first opened in 1532 and is one of the earliest surviving examples of 16th-century Spanish Gothic architecture in the Western hemisphere.
Juan Ponce de León, the first governor of Puerto Rico, was buried in the crypt of the church from 1559 to 1836, when his remains were exhumed and later transferred to the Cathedral of San Juan Bautista. However, his coat of arms is still located near the main altar. His grandson, Juan Ponce de Leon II is buried in the crypt beneath the Sanctuary's floor. Puerto Rican painter José Campeche is also buried in the church.
In 2002, a restoration project on the structure began and several painted murals were discovered including a mid-19th century depiction of the Battle of Lepanto. In 2004, the church was listed on the 2004 World Monuments Watch by the World Monuments Fund, which helped the conservation effort.
The Church of Saint Joseph is closed to visitors due to the restoration work that has been going on. It is expected to re-open in 2020.
Juan Ponce de León, the first governor of Puerto Rico, was buried in the crypt of the church from 1559 to 1836, when his remains were exhumed and later transferred to the Cathedral of San Juan Bautista. However, his coat of arms is still located near the main altar. His grandson, Juan Ponce de Leon II is buried in the crypt beneath the Sanctuary's floor. Puerto Rican painter José Campeche is also buried in the church.
In 2002, a restoration project on the structure began and several painted murals were discovered including a mid-19th century depiction of the Battle of Lepanto. In 2004, the church was listed on the 2004 World Monuments Watch by the World Monuments Fund, which helped the conservation effort.
The Church of Saint Joseph is closed to visitors due to the restoration work that has been going on. It is expected to re-open in 2020.
Sight description based on Wikipedia.
6) Cuartel de Ballajá (Ballaja Barracks)
Ballaja Barracks (or Cuartel de Ballajá in Spanish) is a military barracks located in San Juan. It was built from 1854 to 1864 for the Spanish troops established on the island and their families.
The three-story structure was completed in 1864, occupying an area of 7,700 square meters (83,000 sq ft). It could accommodate over 1,000 citizens, originally Spanish soldiers and their families. Its vast interior patio is one of the best examples of 19th-century Spanish architecture.
The barracks were heavily used during the Spanish–American War near the end of the 19th century. On May 12, 1898, during the American bombing of San Juan, the fleet led by Admiral William T. Sampson damaged the northeast side of the barracks. After the war ended, and with the change of sovereignty, the barracks became the quarters for the United States Army until 1939.
Today, the Ballaja Barracks houses several educational and cultural organizations including the Latin America Museum on its second floor. The museum offers three permanent collections: African Heritage, the Indian in America, and Popular Arts in America.
The three-story structure was completed in 1864, occupying an area of 7,700 square meters (83,000 sq ft). It could accommodate over 1,000 citizens, originally Spanish soldiers and their families. Its vast interior patio is one of the best examples of 19th-century Spanish architecture.
The barracks were heavily used during the Spanish–American War near the end of the 19th century. On May 12, 1898, during the American bombing of San Juan, the fleet led by Admiral William T. Sampson damaged the northeast side of the barracks. After the war ended, and with the change of sovereignty, the barracks became the quarters for the United States Army until 1939.
Today, the Ballaja Barracks houses several educational and cultural organizations including the Latin America Museum on its second floor. The museum offers three permanent collections: African Heritage, the Indian in America, and Popular Arts in America.
Sight description based on Wikipedia.
7) Casa Blanca Museum (White House Museum)
Casa Blanca is a house museum located in Old San Juan. This lovely white adobe building is one of the oldest buildings in San Juan. Built in 1521 it served as the first fortification of the San Juan islet and residence for Juan Ponce de Leon, the first governor of Puerto Rico, and his family. Juan Ponce de Leon unfortunately died in an expedition to Florida without ever lived in the house. It was later used as the residence of his descendants, until the mid-18th century. As a fortification it served mostly as a refuge in times of attack from Taino rebels.
The house was built in wood but the original structure was destroyed by fire and rebuilt in stone and masonry. It subsequently was occupied by members of the Spanish army and later by American army commanders. The surrounding gardens were planted by the first American governor of the island in the 19th century. In 1967 the complex was transferred to the government of Puerto Rico and declared a historical monument. In 1981, it was recorded in the Historic American Buildings Survey. The house is a museum of 16th and 17th century artifacts managed by the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture.
The building, walls and gardens are in excellent condition. The plaques on the walls explain the history of each room. The museum charges a small fee ($5) to enter while one can visit the gardens for free.
The house was built in wood but the original structure was destroyed by fire and rebuilt in stone and masonry. It subsequently was occupied by members of the Spanish army and later by American army commanders. The surrounding gardens were planted by the first American governor of the island in the 19th century. In 1967 the complex was transferred to the government of Puerto Rico and declared a historical monument. In 1981, it was recorded in the Historic American Buildings Survey. The house is a museum of 16th and 17th century artifacts managed by the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture.
The building, walls and gardens are in excellent condition. The plaques on the walls explain the history of each room. The museum charges a small fee ($5) to enter while one can visit the gardens for free.
Sight description based on Wikipedia.
8) Casa Rosa (The Pink House)
Casa Rosa or Casa Rosada, also known as the Pink House, is a historic house located in Old San Juan. The house was built in 1812 as a barrack for the troops assigned to the San Agustin Bastion. It was converted to an officers quarters in 1881 by the Spanish Army. The building was later converted to a museum for Puerto Rican crafts. Today it operates as a day care center for the children of employees of the government of Puerto Rico.
Sight description based on Wikipedia.
9) School of Plastic Arts and Design of Puerto Rico
This beautiful Roman style architecture was built in 1859 and it was the hospital of Our Lady of the Conception. Quite spacious in size, even larger than that of La Fortaleza, it has been listed as a historical monument by the Institute of Culture of Puerto Rica and the U.S. Department of the Interior.
Today the building houses the School of Plastic Arts and Design of Puerto Rico. The school was founded in 1965 as part of the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture. The well known Puerto Rican painter and artist José Torres Martino was one of the school's co-founders.
Today the building houses the School of Plastic Arts and Design of Puerto Rico. The school was founded in 1965 as part of the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture. The well known Puerto Rican painter and artist José Torres Martino was one of the school's co-founders.
Sight description based on Wikipedia.
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