Old San Juan - Fortaleza

(Local Name: La Fortaleza) Designated a World Heritage Site and part of the National Trust, The Fortaleza was completed in 1540 as a defense against the Carib Indians and other foreign invaders. The Fortaleza has been occupied twice by invaders; first by the Earl of Cumberland in 1598 and then by the Dutch General Bowdoin Hendrick in 1625 when fire damaged the building. The Fortaleza eventually lost its military value and became the residence of Puerto Rican governors. 150 governors have resided in the building, as well the current governor.

La Fortaleza is the oldest governor's mansion still used as such in the Western Hemisphere. The building itself has undergone many changes in its 300-year history, beginning in 1640. The result is the unification of 16th C military architecture with the refinements of the 19th C.