Old San Juan

(Local Name: San Juan Viejo) Almost 500 years old, San Juan Viejo (Old San Juan) is a city of Spanish colonial history blended with contemporary Puerto Rican culture.

The entire city was designated as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 1983. Situated on a long narrow inlet at the northeast entrance to the San Juan Bay, Old San Juan was founded in 1521. Originally, Ponce de León founded the settlement in 1508 at Caparra for the purpose of mining gold, however the colony was abandoned and moved to the site of what is now San Juan.

One of the biggest and best natural harbors in the Caribbean, Old San Juan is the second oldest city in the Americas. Originally conceived as a military stronghold, Old San Juan is the oldest city under the U.S. flag. The 7-square-block area includes more than 400 carefully restored 16th and 17th C Spanish colonial buildings. Old San Juan attracts many tourists who enjoy both history and other attractions such as fine beaches, and a tropical climate.