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San Juan, Puerto Rico
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With almost 500 years of history behind it, San Juan, Puerto Rico is one of the oldest cities flying the U.S. Flag.

Puerto Rico (the island) was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493 and the port city of San Juan eventually became an important intermediary stop were almost all European ships would restock before making their long trans-Atlantic crossing back to Europe.

In fact, on their way back to Spain, Spanish Galleons would pass through San Juan loaded with gold and booty from Mexico and South America.

Without question, Old San Juan is one of the gems of the Caribbean with its colorful style and fascinating history.


Map of Puerto Rico, Puerto Rican Map, San Juan Puerto Rico, Map of Caribbean Islands atlantic ocean caribbean sea large puerto rico map




san juan street art Street art in colorful Old San Juan, Puerto Rico


patio door in san juan A welcoming patio door in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico




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buildings along a nartrow stret in san juan In stylish "Old San Juan," many streets are on the hilly side, and this one is typical.

blue brick streets in old san juan Most of the narrow streets in Old San Juan are paved with adoquines, or blue cobblestone pavers, which were made with iron furnace slag that, according to historians, was part of the ballast of Spain's sugar-carrying-ships. Subjected to time, weather and traffic, the pavers have developed a very characteristic shiny blue-gray hue.

old door san juan A 45-foot-high wall once surrounded San Juan. This was one of the official entrances for those who came to Puerto Rico on wooden sailing ships during the colonization. This is the last gate standing in Old San Juan.

statue in San Juan "La Rogativa", a statue overlooking the Bay of San Juan commemorates the ingenuity of the Puerto Rican people. Back in the 1700's ,San Juan's Port was a desirable strategic point to control the Caribbean and many powers wanted to rule it. When the English launched a naval attack to take possession of the city by night, the local Bishop came up with a brilliant plan that sent the invaders on a retreat. He gathered all the women and children and formed a procession. They all carried torches, and from the English's viewpoint they appeared to be legions of armed soldiers. Consequently, they made an about face, thinking it not worth their while to launch an attack on this well protected city.

yellow flower in old san juan Puerto Rico has a wonderful climate, and flowers grow throughout the year. I spotted this one in Old San Juan.