Anchored
between El Morro and Castillo de San Cristobal, Old San Juan is an historic
center both residential and commercial, with restored 16th and 17th century
colonial Spanish buildings. Its narrow streets are paved with old, blue
cobblestones that initially came over as ballast on Spanish ships. This
district is a must see for visitors to Puerto
Rico.
With plazas
surrounded by the colorful buildings in varying pastel hues you might find a
statue of Ponce de Leon or one to commemorate the 500th anniversary of
Columbus' discovery. These plazas serve as meeting places for residents and
tourists alike and are always thronged with people, young and old, out to enjoy
the pleasures of this area. They not only feature statues, but fountains and
churches and chapels that will take you back hundreds of years.
Museums
like the Pablo Casals Museum include memorabilia of the artist who moved to Puerto Rico in the 1950s. Other museums
are devoted to the history of the island.
The buildings themselves are significant: One was a former Dominican
convent and another property of military commanders (Casa Blanca). The
governor's mansion is called La Fortaleza. The Cathedral de San Juan is the
second oldest cathedral in the Western Hemisphere and the Iglesia de San Jose or
San Jose Church was first built in 1523 and was the chapel used by Ponce de
Leon.
A walk
through Old San Juan will display not only the fine , old buildings, but also
will provide endless opportunities for shopping. The beauty of going to Puerto Rico is that visitors from the
U.S. do not have to pay duty for any item bought on the island. Local
handicrafts like ceramics, needlework and sculptures by local artists, and
handmade goods like hammocks and jewelry are all reasonably priced and found
both in the shops and in the artisan stalls found in parks and other public
places.
Lace-making
originated in Spain and was brought to Puerto
Rico centuries ago. Bobbin lace is still found today. There are also many carved, wooden religious
figures known locally as santos or
saints. Many of these are made with handmade tools and natural veggie dyes.
Frightening, grotesque masks called carretas
or vejigante masks are another craft
that dates back centuries (probably to Africa).
They come in all shapes and sizes and colors, and make fascinating
decorations for homes and offices.
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