Old San Juan Landmarks: Day 5

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Cuerpo de Guardia de Bastión de Santa Elena: This structure
was built in 1787 and its purpose was to house the soldiers and
officers stationed here for the defense of San Juan.

 

 

 

 

Princesa Prison: Built in 1837, the Princesa Prison was used
to hold prisoners, some being important political figures. The
prison closed in 1976. It now serves as the headquarters for the
Puerto Rico Tourism Company.

 

 

 

Raíces Fountain: The Raíces Fountain lies in the middle of El
Paseo De La Princesa. The statue represents Puerto Rico's Spanish,
African, and Taíno heritage.

 

 

 

Teatro Tapia: This theater is named for  Puertorrican playwright
Alejandro Tapia y Rivera,  it has been restored and maintained
 in use for many years. Besides theatrical performances, meetings
and ceremonies are also held here.

 

 

 

La Rogativa: A statue of three women and a bishop
during a religious procession. La Rogativa was built to represent a
legendary event that helped save Puerto Rico from a British attack.
 

 

 

 

San Jose Church: The second oldest church in the New World.
San José Church was built in 1532. It is one of the earliest examples
of Gothic architecture that is still relevant today.
 

 

 

 

San Juan Cathedral: The San Juan Cathedral was built
in 1521. In the cathedral lies the tomb of Juan Ponce De
León.

 

 

 

End of the Royal Trail where the Ocean Meets the Bay: The Royal
Trail begins at the Puerta de San Juan. This trail is approximately
half a mile and ends where the Bay of San Juan meets the Atlantic Ocean.

 

 

 

La Puerta De San Juan: The Puerta of San Juan was the primary
 entrance to the city from the bay for many years. The walls extending
from it served to protect the city from invasion. This gate
is a passageway to the rest of San Juan's historical sites.

 

 

 

Tite Curet Statue: Tite Curet was a Puerto Rican composer from
Guayama that worked on about 2,000 songs in his lifetime. The statue
sits on a bench in the Plaza de Armas.

 

  

 

San Juan City Hall: Built in 1604, the San Juan City Hall, is next
to Plaza de Armas and the Department of State. It houses the municipal government and from time to time, hosts art exhibits that are open to the public.

Old San Juan Landmarks: Day 4

Parque Luis Muñoz Rivera: This park is dedicated to Luis Muñoz
Rivera, a politician that played a large role in the struggle for autonomy
in Puerto Rico.

 

 

Parque de las Palomas: This  park next to Capilla del Cristo
provides a place for the pigeons to live and eat. For $1, you can feed
the birds here.

 

 

 

Plaza de Armas: The Plaza De Armas is one of the main squares
in San Juan, it is known for its fountain that represents the four seasons.
The plaza is normally crowded with pigeons.

 

 

 

Plaza de Arturo Somohano: This plaza was named after the late
Arturo Somohano. He was a musical composer and director
of the San Juan Symphony Orchestra. 

 

 

Plaza de Colón: The Colón Plaza was built to commemorate
Cristopher Columbus. It was named this in 1893, on the
400th anniversary of the discovery of the New World.
There is a statue here to honor his memory.

 

 

Plaza Dársena: This plaza is mostly known for its crafts market
that is open on the weekends. In Plaza Dársena, you can also
find "La Casita", which was originally built to house the department of
agriculture, it now serves as an information center.

 

 

Plaza de las Monjas: Plaza de Las Monjas serves
as an area to relax or get a piragua. It is next to
El Museo del Niño and the Cathedral.

 

 

Plaza San José: The San José Plaza is near the Pablo Casals Museum
and San José Church. Its main attraction is the statue of Juan
Ponce de León, Puerto Rico's first governor. The statue was made from
the cannons of a failed British attack on the island.

 

 

Plaza del Quinto Centenario: This plaza was dedicated to commemorate
the 500th anniversary of the European discovery of America. In the
lower level of the plaza, there is a fountain representing the first 100 years
after the discovery. On the upper level there is a totem symbolizing the
discovery of the New World.

 

 

Polvorín Santa Elena: Built in 1783, Polvorín Santa Elena served
as a storehouse for munitions used for the defense of El Morro.