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.