San Juan at a Glance
San Juan, the oldest city in Puerto Rico, has survived
pirates, treachery, countless assaults by European nations and bombing by
the United States during
the Spanish-American War (fortunately many of the centuries old buildings
have survived). Spanish tradition is more prevalent in Puerto Rico's capital
than any other Spanish settled Caribbean
destination, and since colonial times Spanish and indigenous cultures have
merged to create a unique national identity. Wrought iron balconies line
the cobblestone streets, while festivals fill the surrounding countryside.
Spicy Latin
flavours, theatre,
casinos
in Condado
and the Isla
Verde district generate lots of attention, and no tropical paradise
is complete without a plethora of beaches
to entertain and inspire.
Originally a fortress settlement founded in 1521 by Spanish explorer
Juan Ponce De Leon, the port city of Old
San Juan retains the feel and spirit of a colonial plantation
town. Still, modernization has become more recognizable since the country
became a U.S. commonwealth shortly before the 20th century, and the oldest
city under the U.S. flag has evolved into a thriving metropolis integrating
a rich historical atmosphere with modern living.
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WELCOME TO San Juan!
