Exploring Old San Juan

When you've got a city that's over 400 years old, it'swhich were captured during the British attacks in the
a shame not to revisit the rich history and grandeur18th century. Another plaza with a prominent
of its colorful past. San Juan, the capital of Puertolandmark is Plaza del Quinto Centenario (quincentennial
Rico, offers a generous taste of the Old World, fromsquare). Opened in 1992 as part of the 500th
its cobbled streets to its impressive architecture.anniversary of Christopher Columbus' monumental
The overwhelming Spanish influence seen in San Juanexploration of the New World, the plaza highlights a
can be traced back to 1521, when it was established40-foot sculpture that represents the earthen and
as a settlement of the Spanish empire. Overclay roots of American history. The sculpture, made
centuries, the city has seen ships of mercantilism andof black granite and ceramics, is a creation of master
military dominance docking and departing on itsPuerto Rican artist Jaime Suarez.
shores, survived attacks from British troops in theA visit to Old San Juan wouldn't be complete without
late 1500s, lived through the bombings of US warseeing the city's formidable forts. Built in the 16th and
machines during the Spanish-American War, and went17 centuries, these fortresses took decades to
on to become the industrialized metropolis that it iscomplete but they were vital in the strengthening the
today.city's defenses. El Morro stands out among all the
The city of San Juan has three major districts: Oldforts in San Juan. It is the largest fortification in all of
San Juan, Beach and Resort area, and the outlyingthe Caribbean and has survived numerous attacks.
communities. The majority of antique monumentsThe fort fell only once, during a land assault by British
and landmarks however are concentrated on the Oldforces in 1598. El Morro, a construction marvel in
San Juan neighborhood. Even the streets of Old Sanitself, is laden with tunnels, dungeons, barracks, and
Juan speak of the Spanish colonial era. They areramps but the most prominent parts of this fortress
paved with cobbles of a blue stone cast fromare the circular sentry boxes called garitas. El Morro
furnace slag called adoquine. These stones werehas been declared a National Historic Site by the
brought to San Juan by Spanish ships. Over theNational Park Service.
years, moisture and exposure to elements gaveComplementing El Morro is Castillo de San
adoquine its distinct color.Cristóbal, another masterfully constructed
Old San Juan is home to numerous plazas, parks,fortress towering at 150 feet and occupying an area
museums, monuments, and historical buildings whichof 27 acres. Recognized as one of the largest and
would take a full day or two of walking tour tostrongest defenses in the region, San Cristobal Fort is
explore. Plaza de Armas (arms square) on San Josemade up of five independent structures which are
street is the central plaza of Old San Juan. It featuresconnected by moat and tunnel. The fort is also a
four statues, all of which are over one hundred yearsNational Historic Site and a UNESCO World Heritage
old, that represent the four seasons. It has alsoSite.
served as the main meeting place of locals andA tour in Old San Juan is one activity that visitors in
continues to be an interesting spot for visitors.Puerto Rico shouldn't miss. Seeing these landmarks
Plaza de San Jose is another popular meeting venueprovides not just a visual feast but a glimpse as well
in Old San Juan. Its central monument is the statueinto the history and culture of this Caribbean
of Juan Ponce de Leon, the first governor of Puertoarchipelago.
Rico. The statue was made from British cannons