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Puerto Rico, The Old World In The New
"Rich Port" is an appropriate translation of the name of a lush, exotic, but cosmopolitan island surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Our all too brief recent visit to Puerto Rico opened our eyes to its beautiful beaches as well as its history, culture and unique geological treasures.
Discovered in 1493 by Christopher Columbus, the island was originally inhabited by the Taíno Indians and named San Juan Bautista, in honor of St. John the Baptist. Under the governance of Juan Ponce de Leon, Puerto Rico became Spain's most strategic military outpost in the region. In order to fortify it from attacks by the English and Dutch, several massive forts, which are still standing today, were built in the early 1500s to protect the port of San Juan.
As part of the Spanish Empire, Puerto Rico flourished throughout the 1800s, but after the Spanish-American War it became a territory of the United States. In 1917, residents were granted U.S. citizenship by the United States Congress.
Yes, there are over 250 beautiful, white sand beaches, and many opportunities to sail, surf, scuba dive and snorkel, but once you begin to crisp in the sun, or if you're looking for a taste of Europe in the New World, a fascinating history lesson, unique natural sights and beautiful art, Puerto Rico is a gem waiting to be explored.
The Old World in the New
Stroll down cobblestone streets among small yellow, pink and blue buildings dating from the 18th century, and you'll feel as if you've been transported to Spain. El Viejo San Juan, a seven-square-block area overlooking San Juan Bay is the original colonial city which is walled off by La Muralla, constructed in the 17th century of 20 foot thick sandstone walls.
Other sites of interest in this historic area include La Fortaleza, the governor's mansion with extensive gardens. Built in 1533, it has been the continuing seat of government for over three centuries. The Plaza del Quinto Centenario, at the highest point in the city, overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. Teatro Tapía, built about 1824, is one of the oldest theatres in the New World and presents music, dance and dramatic performances to residents and visitors.
No visit to El Viejo San Juan is complete without a tour of Fuerte San Felipe del Morro, a fortress built on a promontory 140 feet above the sea. This United Nations' World Heritage Site was constructed between 1540 and 1787 to protect the city from sea-borne invaders from England and Holland. Ranger-guided, hour-long tours include a maze of tunnels and dungeons and a museum on the history and life within the fortress.
Fuerte San Cristóbal, partner to El Morro, protected the city from attacks on land. Cannons fired from the top of San Cristóbal in 1898 were the first of the Spanish-American War. Guided or self-guided tours of barracks and dungeons are available, and with unobstructed views of the open sea from the cannon emplacements, you can easily imagine what it was like to be a guardsman.
On the quaint streets of Old San Juan you will also find various monuments, shaded greenspace, and interesting shops. Outdoor cafes and air-conditioned restaurants serve international fare as well as Puerto Rican specialties: mofongo (green plaintains stuffed with meat or shrimp), arroz con pollo, and sweet fruit drinks.
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