Ponce, Cultural center in southern Puerto Rico, United States
Description
Ponce is a coastal city in southern Puerto Rico built around a central square that features the red and black firehouse from the late 1800s. The streets in the old quarter run in a grid pattern and are lined with two-story buildings with balconies and wrought-iron railings, gradually giving way to newer neighborhoods toward the sea.
History
The city received its name in 1692 after Juan Ponce de León y Loayza and grew into a major port for exporting sugar starting in the 18th century. Rum and sugar production brought wealth in the 1800s that allowed for the construction of the grand homes and public buildings in the downtown area.
Culture
The Museo de Arte de Ponce contains over 4,500 works of art, including extensive collections of European paintings, Puerto Rican art, and African artifacts.
Practical
Mercedita Airport sits about 3 miles (5 km) east of the center and offers connections to the United States mainland as well as to other cities in Puerto Rico. Most of the sights in the historic center can be reached on foot, while more distant locations such as the Serrallés Castle are easier to reach by car or taxi.
Did you know?
The Serrallés Castle on a hill outside the center belonged to the family that produced Don Q rum and now displays rooms with original furniture from the 1930s. From the cross next to the building, you can see all the way to the coast and the offshore islands on clear days.
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Cerro de Punta
18.1 km
Parque de Bombas
315 m
Museo Parque de Bombas
120 m
Agüeybaná El Bravo
1.7 km
Castillo Serrallés
1.1 km
Tibes Indigenous Ceremonial Center
3.5 km
Toro Negro State Forest
18.7 km
Hacienda Buena Vista
9.3 km
Paseo Tablado La Guancha
4.9 km
Ponce City Hall
29 m
El Tuque
8.1 km
Parque de la Ceiba
825 m
Cruceta del Vigía
1.1 km
Plaza las Delicias
95 mReserva Natural Punta Cucharas
8 km
Letras de Ponce
4.9 km
Statue of Héctor Lavoe
5.1 km
Hotel Meliá
110 m
Museo de la Masacre de Ponce
172 m
Plaza del Mercado de Ponce
420 m
Portugués Dam
6.1 km
Mercado de las Carnes
521 m
Calle 25 de Enero
990 m
Ponce Ramada Hotel
182 m
Román Baldorioty de Castro National Pantheon
710 m
Wiechers–Villaronga House
287 m
Museo Castillo Serrallés
1.1 km
Museo de la Música Puertorriqueña
359 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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