The oldest Post-Columbian settlements in the United States aren't those who work in Jamestown or Plymouth but are within the USA's Caribbean territories like Puerto Rico. Old San Juan is really a historic district that is fabulously old by colonial America's standards. The oldest buildings in Old San Juan predate the oldest standing building within the mainland Usa through the better part of a hundred years.
It is located on the northwest triangle of the islet of San Juan and is the oldest settlement in Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico is definitely an often forgotten part of the United States, but one that everyone should visit. Those who do visit Puerto Rico should plan their trip around certain things to achieve the best time.
Historic Old San Juan
The Old San Juan district shows up as a National Historic Landmark District. Additionally, some of its most noteworthy buildings happen to be inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. This is where one finds the oldest European-age structures in the usa.
Some of the most remarkable structures include La Fortaleza, the town walls, El Morro, and also the San Cristobal castles.
- Oldest: San Juan Is The Oldest Continuously Inhabited Post-European Contact City On US Territory
- Second Oldest: The 2nd Oldest Post-Europen Contact City In The Western Hemisphere
- Founded: In 1519 By The Spanish Explorer Juan Ponce de Leon
Ever since San Juan began in 1519 by the Spanish, it's served as the capital of Puerto Rico. It had been Spanish for that better a part of 4 centuries until the Usa annexed Puerto Rico in 1898 after the Spanish-American War.
- Architecture: Boast Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque Architecture
La Fortaleza and Old San Juan's Defenses
Many from the structures moving into Old San Juan are defensive in nature – including three forts and a large portion of the city wall that was constructed between your 16th and 19th centuries.
San Cristobal Castle:
This may be the largest fortification built by the Spanish in the Americas. It had been made to provide defense from both land and the sea during the colonial period
- Largest: The Largest Spanish Fortification Within the Americas
San Felipe del Morro Castle:
Also known as just “El Morro”, this is a 16th-century citadel which was created to control private and foreign attacks in the colonial period. It is also the location of the historic lighthouse.
San Juan City Walls:
The San Juan City Walls were built to surround Old San Juan – today around three-quarters of the old city walls remain intact. It was a city ringed with stone that saw its walls gradually expand during the period of 250 years. Eventually, these walls were united for connecting towards the city's two largest forts – Castillo de San Felipe del Morro and Castillo de San Cristóbal.
- Nickname: “La ciudad amurallada” (the walled city)
The only other city in the usa and Canada that also preserves its colonial defensive wall product is Quebec City in Canada (it even were able to repulse an invasion attempt by the Continental Army within the War of Independence).
Santa Catalina Palace:
Santa Catalina Palace is otherwise known as La Fortaleza (i.e. The Fortress). It is a fortification and is still the present residence from the governor of the territory of Puerto Rico.
- Oldest: It Is The Oldest Executive Residence Any place in The Americas
Old San Juan's Churches
Besides forts, among the first things the catholic Spanish worked out doing was constructing churches.
San Juan Cathedral:
This is among the oldest buildings in Old San Juan and it is thought of as the oldest cathedral in the usa. In the Western Hemisphere, it's second only to the Santo Domingo Cathedral within the Dominican Republic. It's a cathedral containing relics.
It is located on del Cristo Street and it is still open for daily services. It is formally known as La Catedral de San Juan Bautista.
- Started: In 1542
- Style: Gothic and Renaissance Revival Architecture
- Oldest: Oldest Cathedral In the united states (Second In The Americas)
San Jose Church:
This is undoubtedly one of the most important architectural landmarks of Old San Juan. After a period of restoration, it's finally reopened towards the public in 2022. 2022 is exactly Five centuries from the time it first dates from – 1521.
It is a superb example of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. It was also the home of Dominican friars.
Other old churches include John the Baptist (Catedral Basílica Metropolitana de San Juan Bautista), Saint Francis of Assisi Church ( Iglesia de San Francisco de Asís), and Santa Ana Church (Iglesia de Santa Ana). Read more about Old San Juan on the National Park Serice.
