A few years ago, to celebrate our 20th anniversary, we spent a few days exploring Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. We walked around the city, visited some churches, toured historical sites, experienced the local cuisine, shopped, and spent time on the beach.
Old San Juan is the oldest settlement in Puerto Rico, as the name implies, and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The original settlement dates back to 1508 when Juan Ponce de León founded Caparra. After a few years and several changes, that original site became Puerto Rico, and in 1521, the name San Juan was added, thus creating the formal name of San Juan Bautista de Puerto Rico. The city elegance is present in every corner of Old San Juan. Beautiful tree-lined streets and colorful buildings bring back an era of glory to San Juan.
According to the National Park Service, “Old San Juan’s historic architecture reflects four centuries of development that shaped the historic urban landscape,” and “it is the nation’s most complete Spanish urban center with its Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture.”
Here are two other photos I recently featured in another post.
We certainly hope to return to the island to enjoy more of its rich architectural history and mesmerizing landscape.
Discover more from Through Brazilian Eyes
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Anne Sandler
What beautiful images Egidio! I loved them all.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Anne. It’s such a beautiful country.
Tra Italia e Finlandia
Deve essere davvero un posto piacevole…
Complimenti per il 20 anniversario! 👍👍
Egidio Leitao
Grazie mille, Luisella. È difficile credere che siano passati 10 anni.
margaret21
This looks a fabulous place to explore, and it looks as if there is real pride in the place.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Margaret. The country is beautiful, and San Juan is very inviting and friendly. Too bad that in the last few years, it got hit by two major hurricanes.
margaret21
The weather worldwide is ensuring tough times for many, sadly.
nesfelicio
Wonderful photos of a wonderful place.
I can literally hear “Old San Juan” by MFSB playing in my head as I went through the post and photos.
Egidio Leitao
I like that song. I’m glad you liked the post. Thank you.
philosophy through photography
Beautiful images and such a lovely place!
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Mr. Philo.
philosophy through photography
Welcome, Egidio.
Toonsarah
This isn’t somewhere we’d ever thought of visiting but it looks beautiful and just the sort of place we’d enjoy exploring 🙂
Egidio Leitao
Sarah, it’s a lovely country and so beautiful. However, in recent years, they have been hit by two major hurricanes. Thanks for writing.
Leanne Cole
What a beautiful colourful place Egidio. I had no idea it was like that.
Egidio Leitao
Leanne, it is a beautiful and lush country. Thanks for commenting.
Vicki
Stunning. I’m so glad to follow your blog as I’m seeing beautiful architecture and country landscapes I never would have seen before. If I’ve seen them before, never have I seen your colourful architecture in a large size image online.
Thanks for sharing, Egidio.
Egidio Leitao
Vicki, that is the same feeling I have following other blogs. I see so many places and things I would miss otherwise. Thank you.
Egidio Leitao
Puerto Rico is a beautiful country. Thanks for the feedback.