For previous legs of the Old San Juan Walking Tour, click on the corresponding links:
We’ve been to many sites, gawked at incredible vistas, witnessed historical architecture and works of art, and ate and drank in some of the city’s best restaurants/bars. Alas, all good things must come to an end. But let’s not lament yet, we have a long stroll ahead of us and 9 more stops on our walking tour. Let’s make the most of it.
Homeward Bound (Leg 4 of 4)
From the northwest corner of Plaza de Armas, walk west on San Francisco St. until we reach Del Cristo St. once again. If we make a left we will head south towards our next destination. Storefronts all along the street entice passersby to window shop (or really shop) but we’ll continue walking until we reach Capilla del Cristo (#31). The legend goes that in 1750, during one of the traditional horse races, a rider was violently thrown from his steed. A spectator made a plea to the Santo Cristo de la Salud to save the unfortunate jockey, who was stopped - thanks to the structure - from plummeting to a certain death. Since then, a picture of the Christ has hung on the wall of the chapel. Next to the Capilla is el Parque de las Palomas, or pigeon park. With a fantastic view of the bay as a backdrop, visitors can mingle with and feed the scores of pigeons in and around the park.
31. Capilla del Cristo
Across the street from Parque de las Palomas is el Museo del Libro (#32). The museum houses an invaluable collection of Old World manuscripts and original documents from the time of Spanish rule on the island. Though the building is presently under renovation, much of the collection is currently displayed in Museo de las Americas in Ballaja.
32. Museo del Libro
Coming off Del Cristo street, we head east on Calle Tetuan. Casa Ramón Power y Giralt (#33) will be located to your left. The Fideicomiso de Conservacion - Puerto Rico’s conservation trust - rescued this historical building - the former home of early 19th century Admiral and politician, Ramón Power y Giralt - from disrepair and now serves as their headquarters.
33. Casa Ramón Power y Giralt
Our next destination is Fortaleza Street, specifically the area commonly referred to as SOFO (#34). After leaving Casa Power y Giralt we turn north on Calle de la Cruz and then make a quick right into Fortaleza Street. Shops, bars and restaurants line both sidewalks and crowds gather to party late into the night in these trendy hot spots. Short for SOuth of FOrtaleza, SOFO also features a bevy of dining options, from classic French cuisine to modern fusion, certain to please any discerning palette.
34. SOFO
Past the alleyway that leads to the famous Nuyorican Cafe, stands Casa del Callejón (#35). One of San Juan’s oldest buildings, it now houses 2 different museums: Museo de la Farmacia, a collection of artifacts that would have been found in a 19th century pharmacy; and Museo de la Familia Puertorriqueña, recreating an affluent family home of the 19th century. You could get caught up in the scene at SOFO, I won’t blame you. But we still have 4 sites on our walking tour and you don’t want to give up now, so close to the end, do you? SOFO will stay right where it is and it’s vibrant nightlife will continue to be active until late, so you don’t have you worry about missing a thing.
35. Casa del Callejón
At the end of Fortaleza Street, to your right, stands one of the New World’s oldest active theatres, Teatro Tapia (#36). The venue is named after famous Puerto Rican playwright Alejandro Tapia y Rivera and still hosts events that range from children’s plays to ballet performances. The interior, with its marvelous wooden balconies and horse-shoe shape, seats about 700 people.
36. Teatro Tapia
In the middle of Plaza de Colón (#37), directly north of Teatro Tapia, a marble and bronze statue of European explorer Christopher Columbus towers over the city. The plaza had always been an important meeting place and cultural landmark for San Juan when it was called Plaza Santiago. During the late 19th century the figure and pedestal were erected thereby rechristening the square as Plaza de Colón.
37. Plaza de Colón
Puerto Rico’s second most famous, yet equally important, fortress covers a large amount of terrain. Fuerte San Cristóbal (#38) can be seen from the northeast corner of Plaza Colón, stretching along Muñoz Rivera Ave. and Norzagaray St., where the main entrance is located. Built in the 1600’s as a way of preventing another successful land invasion - as the Dutch had accomplished in 1625 - the expansive fortifications occupy a huge territory on the northern part of the city. Even if you’ve already seen El Morro, visitors should not pass up the opportunity to explore the lesser known San Cristóbal. The vantage points towards the Atlantic Ocean and La Perla, and the superior views of the city and bay from El Caballero - the fort’s highest point - give San Cristobal an identity all it’s own.
38. Fuerte San Cristóbal
Our last stop in our Old San Juan Walking Tour lies just a bit beyond the city proper, but still easily accessible. In fact, El Capitolio de Puerto Rico (#39) is probably one of the first landmarks you’ll see if you enter Old San Juan through Muñoz Rivera Ave. The building is not yet 100 years old, but still manages to exude a timeless quality through its architecture. It serves as the home of the Legislative branch of government, the Senate, and House of Representatives and it also contains the original document of the Puerto Rican Constitution.
39. El Capitolio de Puerto Rico
And with this our tour is done. We’ve traversed through all the major historical sites, museums and places of interest in Old San Juan, but there are still many more waiting to be discovered by you. Run amok through town; as we’ve said before there is no better way to enjoy this glorious city than to explore it on your own terms. We hope this walking tour will better prepare you to be your own guide!
