Old San Juan Historic District, Historic district in San Juan, Puerto Rico
Old San Juan Historic District is a neighborhood in San Juan, Puerto Rico, that extends across seven blocks with cobblestone streets and two-story colonial buildings. The facades show pastel hues, wrought-iron balconies, and narrow sidewalks that open toward the water.
The Spanish crown founded a fortified port here in 1521 to control the sea route to the American colonies. Between the 16th and 18th centuries, walls, bastions, and two large fortresses were built to repel attacks from the sea.
The name 'Viejo San Juan' refers to the fact that this settlement served as the island's administrative and commercial heart for centuries, while the colorful architecture reflects Caribbean ways of living. The small plazas still function as gathering places where locals sit in the shade, listen to music, and share daily life together.
All the main points lie close together, so the whole area can be explored on foot without needing public transport. The lanes are busy during the day, while evenings see fewer visitors and some areas become quieter.
The blue cobblestones in the streets came from blast furnaces in Spain and originally served as ballast on ships sailing empty to America. Today, three quarters of the original city walls remain standing, which is remarkable for a fortified Caribbean urban area.
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