GWPHOTOS

I photographed Old San Juan during a brief visit while on a Caribbean cruise. Old San Juan is the oldest settlement within Puerto Rico and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Parts of Old San Juan remain partly enclosed by massive walls, which along with forts San Felipe del Morro, San Cristobal Castle and La Fortaleza, acted as the primary defense of the settlement which was subjected to numerous attacks. The district is characterized by it's colourful structures, public plazas, cafes, shops, museums, churches, historic places, narrow cobblestone streets, wrought-iron balconies, and flat roofed brick and stone buildings which date back to the 16th and 17th century when Puerto Rico was a Spanish possession. Old San Juan's historic architecture reflects four centuries of development including Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Spanish Colonial architecture. Hover over image for file number and description, click on image to enlarge.