Old San Juan - Puerto Rico

Hello again. One of my favourite ports on this contract has been San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the United States. Founded by Spanish colonists in 1521, it was used by merchant and military ships travelling from Spain as the first stopover in the Americas.


Above: The Atlantic side of San Juan, taken from Fort San Felipe del Morro.

During the Spanish colonial times most of the urban population resided in what is now known as Old San Juan. This sector is located on the western half of a small island called the Isleta de San Juan, which is connected to the mainland by bridges.


Above: A panorama of downtown Old San Juan, taken from Fort San Cristóbal.

Our ship docked at Old San Juan, which is the busiest port in the Caribbean.

Above: A slightly older ship docked at the harbour!

Because of its strategic location between Europe and the Americas, Puerto Rico became known as the gateway or entrance to this new world. The nation that could control this 'front door' to the Caribbean, could shelter its merchant vessels in the harbour, behind strong fortifications and send its warships out to control access to the Caribbean Sea and the rest of the New World.


Above: Fort San Cristóbal, which featured in the latest Pirates movie ('On Stranger Tides').

Spain got to Puerto Rico first, then fought for 400 years to keep it. Because of the rich cargoes, San Juan became a target of the foreign powers of the time but the Spanish were successful in defending it right up until the end of the 19th century, when the U.S. Navy captured it.


Above: Fort San Felipe del Morro.

I visited both of the city's former defensive forts, which are connected via underground passages!


Above: The corner of Fort San Felipe del Morro. It formed a strong barrier to the harbour entrance.


Above: The Chapel at Fort San Felipe del Morro.

The main central part of the city is characterized by narrow streets made of blue cobblestone and picturesque colonial buildings, some of which date back to the 16th and 17th century.


Above: One of the many colonial buildings in Old San Juan.


Above: The inside of San Juan Cathedral.


Above: Government buildings flying the U.S. Flag and the Puerto Rico Flag.


Above: More colonial architecture.

I'll leave you with an arty shot of a red wall! Old San Juan is a beautiful place, and reminded of Europe - where I am going next!