Old San Juan Reflection

First, let us tell you about our journey. Walking up early two Saturdays in a row, to walk for hours on end. It was long, it was hard, it was tiring, it was hot. We think it's safe to say that we will not return to Viejo San Juan for some time. Despite all these cons, we happened to come about some pros. Since we were together as friends, we managed to have some laughs and we made memories. We were also able to enrich our knowledge on Puerto Rican History.

We went to places that we had never been to. We even went to places that we didn't even know existed. We learned, even our parents learned. In addition,we were able to see the beauty that Viejo San Juan holds. All in all, this project made us learn and it helped us to build a little bit more identity in our culture as Puerto Ricans. Knowing about our past makes us appreciate our present and not be able to wait for our future.

End of the Royal Trail Where the Ocean Becomes the Bay

Although a long and treacherous walk starting near La Puerta de San Juan, it is well worth it for the view.

Tite Curet Statue

Born February  12, 1926, Tite Curet was a famous Puerto Rican composer of over 2,000 salsa songs.

Teatro Tapia

Opened in 1832, it is among the oldest free-standing drama stages under the U.S. flag still in use. It was named after Alejandro Tapia y Rivera, a famous Puerto Rican poet and dramatist.

San Juan City Hall

It is located in front of the Plaza de Armas and is next to the Department of State. It is the seat of the Mayor of San Juan.

San Juan Cathedral

It was constructed in 1521 with wood, but constructed again in 1540 using cement after a hurricane destroyed it. It is one of the oldest buildings in San Juan, and the second oldest cathedral in the Americas.

San Jose Church

Constructed from 1535 to 1735, it is one of the fist significant works of architecture on the island.

La Rogativa

The statues in this plaza are meant to honor the legend of San Juan , which goes as far back as 1797.

Raices Fountain

This structure was completed in May of 1992 and was designed by Miguel Carlo to commemorate and celebrate the New World's 500th anniversary. The fountain is considered one of the most romantic spots in Old San Juan.

La Puerta de San Juan

When it was first built built this doorway served to keep invaders from entering the walled city of Viejo San Juan. Today, you can walk through it and explore colonial Puerto Rico.

Princesa Prison

This prison was made in 1837, and is named after the walkway that runs along it. It is now the Tourism Company of Puerto Rico.

Polvorin Santa Elena

It is a cultural structure located near El Morro.

Plaza del Quinto Centenario

This plaza commemorates the European discovery of America. The lower level of the plaza represents the first 100 years, while the upper level represents the discovery.

Plaza San Jose

This plaza is located near the Pablo Casals Museum and San Jose Church, the most notable attraction being the statue of Juan Ponce de Leon.

Plaza de las Monjas

This plaza serves as a great place to sit and relax after walking so much. La Catedral de San Juan and the Museo del Nino is very close to it.

Plaza de Colon

This plaza was built in memory of Christopher Columbus in 1893 for his 400th anniversary.

Plaza Darsena

This plaza was established in 1937. It opens on the weekends for a variety of craft markets.

Plaza Arturo Samohano

This plaza, which is home to many shops and restaurants, pays tribute to Arturo Samohano, who was a famous composer.

Plaza de Armas

A fountain in one of the main squares in San Juan. The fountain consists of 4 monuments that represent the four seasons.

Parque de las Palomas

A small park located next to the Capilla del Cristo where you can feed the pigeons and enjoy the scenery.

Parque Luis Munoz Rivera

A recreational public area dedicated to the renowned statesman Luis Muñoz Rivera. Its area is about 27 acres and is open all year.

Museo Pablo Casals

This museum is located in a colonial house in old San Juan. It is dedicated to Pablo Casals, a famous cellist and violin player who lived his last years in that city.

Museo Felisa Rincon de Gautier

Felisa Rincón de Gautier was the first woman elected mayor in a large American city. She contributed to the progress of Puerto Rico alongside Luis Muñoz Marín. The Museum is described as a continuation of the work of Felisa, not as a tribute. There are conferences and research related to the benefit of the municipalities in Puerto Rico in this museum.

Museo del Niño

Museo del Niño is a kids’ museum located near the Catedral de San Juan Bautista. The museum had 3 floors of interactive activities for children.

Monumento a Juan de Amezquita

 Juan de Amezquita was the Puerto Rican captain who, with a group of 50 men, managed to defend San Juan against the Dutch who invaded during the beginnings of the 17th century. This monument honors advocates of Puerto Rico in name of Juan de Amezquita for leading them to victory.

La Mallorquina

 This was the longest-operating restaurant in the Americas, introduced to the island in 1848 and closing its doors in 2012, before opening once again. La Mallorquina is a great gastronomical option for islanders and tourists alike, serving traditional foods from Puerto Rico with a nice atmosphere.