History of Old San Juan Puerto Rico

Dominated by El Morro and Castillo de San Cristobal, the original defenses of Puerto Rico, Old San Juan is an historic mix of residences and businesses with carefully restored 16th and 17th century colonial Spanish buildings. With its narrow streets covered with old cobblestones that originally came over on Spanish ships, this district is a must see for tourists to Puerto Rico.

With plazas surrounded by the colorful buildings in varying hues you will find a statue of Ponce de Leon or one to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Columbus’ discovery. These plazas serve as meeting places for residents and tourists alike and are always thronged with people young and old out to enjoy the pleasures of this area. They not only feature statues, but fountains and churches and chapels that will take you back hundreds of years.

Museums like the Pablo Casals Museum include memorabilia of the artist who moved to Puerto Rico in the 1950’s. Other museums are dedicated to the history of the island and one was a former Dominican Convent and another was the residence of military commanders called Casa Blanca. The former governor’s mansion is called La Fortaleza and offers free tours daily. The Cathedral de San Juan is the second oldest cathedral in the Western Hemisphere and the Iglesia de San Jose or San Jose Church was first built in 1523 and was the chapel used by Ponce de Leon.

For those who love history, a walk through Old San Juan Puerto Rico will display not only the fine historic architecture in its buildings, but also will provide endless opportunities for shopping. The beauty of going to Puerto Rico is that U.S. citizens do not have to pay duty on any items bought on the island. With native handicrafts like ceramics, needlework and sculptures by local artists, and some goods like hammocks along with jewelry are reasonably priced.

Lace making originated in Spain and was brought to Puerto Rico centuries ago and tatted products that are a type of bobbin lace-making is still found today. First laces found in Puerto Rico were called beggar’s lace or torchon, but today’s delicate products are beautifully made. There are also many religious idols known locally as santos or saints. Many of these are made with handmade tools and many natural vegetable dyes and even human hair are used. Frightening grotesque masks called caretas are another craft that dates back centuries probably to Spain and they come in all shapes and sizes and colors.