Dozen Distinctive Destinations
Old San Juan, PR
Year Listed: 2004
Picturesque, bustling San Juan is the oldest city under the U.S. flag, having been established in 1521 as a point of departure for Spanish expeditions to chart and settle unknown parts of the New World. The rich history of Puerto Rico - a Spanish possession for four centuries and an American commonwealth since the 1950s - is nowhere more evident than in the seven-square-block area known as Old San Juan. This centuries-old neighborhood originated as a military stronghold, as evidenced by the remains of massive walls and forts built to protect it from enemies. In more recent decades, the area has evolved into a charming residential and commercial district boasting steep stone-paved streets, colorful colonial buildings, lush interior patios and plazas, and appealing shops.
Historic gems include the Teatro Tapia, one of the oldest theatres in the Western Hemisphere; Iglesia de San Jose, an exquisite example of 16th-century architecture, where famed explorer Ponce de Leon is buried; the brooding El Morro fortress; and the Hotel El Convento, a 17th-century former convent that is now one of the National Trust's Historic Hotels of America. A host of museums, parks and markets - not to mention delectable restaurants, hopping nightlife and beautiful nearby beaches - make this historic urban area a unique and fascinating place to visit.
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