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.