San Juan, Puerto Rico San Juan (sahn HWAHN) San Juan is the capital and most populous city in Puerto Rico. Founded in 1521 by Juan Ponce de León, who named it City of Puerto Rico (Rich Port). The capital of Puerto Rico is the oldest city under U.S. jurisdiction, but some people argue than St. Augustine, Florida, founded in 1565 is the oldest city in the continental United States. The history of San Juan begins a long time before its official foundation, in 1493, during his second voyage, Christopher Columbus landed in Puerto Rico. He named the island "San Juan Bautista", in honor of John the Baptist. But was not until 1508, that the Spanish government appointed Juan Ponce de León as the first governor of the island. He founded the original settlement in Caparra, now known as Pueblo Viejo, behind the almost land-locked harbor just to the west of the present metropolitan area and the city quickly became Spain's most important military outpost in the Caribbean.

A year later, the original settlement was relocated to a nearby coastal islet (to the site of what is now called Old San Juan) and named Puerto Rico (Rich Port). Sometime during the 1520s, confusion over the names led to a switch, the island took the name of Puerto Rico and the town became San Juan. Today, San Juan is known as La Ciudad Amurallada (the walled city) and is one of the biggest and best natural harbors in the Caribbean and is the second oldest European-founded city in theAmericas (after Santo Domingo, which was officially founded on August 5, 1498.) San Juan is located in the Northern Coastal Plains region in the karst zone, north of Aguas Buenas and Caguas ; east of Bayamón ; and west of Carolina and Trujillo Alto . The metropolitan area known as San Juan has 3 distinct areas: Old San Juan, the Beach & Resort area, and other outlying communities, the most important: Río Piedras, Hato Rey, Puerta de Tierra, and Santurce.

Río Piedras was founded in 1714 but became incorporated into San Juan in 1951. During the early 16th century, San Juan was the point of departure of Spanish expeditions to charter or settle unknown parts of the New World. Its fortifications repulsed the English navigator Sir Francis Drake in 1595, as well as later attacks. In the 20th century the city expanded beyond its walled confines, known as Old San Juan, to incorporate suburban Miramar, Santurce, Condado, Hato Rey and Río Piedras. San Juan is the largest processing center of the island, the metropolitan area has facilities for petroleum and sugar refining, brewing and distilling and produces cement, pharmaceuticals, metal products clothing, and tobacco. The port is one of the busiest in the Caribbean. San Juan is the country's financial capital, and many U.S. banks and corporations maintain offices or distributing centers there. San Juan is center of Caribbean shipping and is the 2nd largest sea port in the area (after New York City). Points of Interest Old San Juan This is a 500-year-old neighborhood originally conceived as a military stronghold.

Its 7-square-block area has evolved into a charming residential and commercial district. The streets here are paved with cobbles of adoquine, a blue stone cast from furnace slag; they were brought over a ballast on Spanish ships and time and moisture have lent them their characteristic color. The city includes more than 400 carefully restored 16th- and 17th-century Spanish colonial buildings. Old San Juan is a main spot for local and internal tourism and attracts many tourists, who also enjoy the gambling casinos, fine beaches, and tropical climate. More tourists visit San Juan each year than any other spot in the Caribbean. A leisurely foot tour is advisable for those who really want to experience this bit of the Old World, especially given the narrow, steep streets and frequently heavy traffic. To really do justice to these wonderful old sites, you'll need two mornings or a full day. Old San Juan provides a free trolley service to get you around the city. The trolley runs every day Monday through Friday from 7am until 6pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 9am until 7pm every 15 minutes.

Most of the trolleys are accessible for wheelchairs and mobility devices and identified with the blue International Symbol of Accessibility. You can also explore Old San Juan at your own pace on a bike, rent your own bicycle for $27 a day, helmet included. Rent the Bicycle, 1-787-602-9696. Old San Juan has several plazas: Plaza de San José is a favorite meeting place for young and old alike. At its center stands the bronze statue of Ponce de León, made from a British cannons captured in during Sir Ralph Abercromby's attack 1797. The plaza is skirted by a number of historic buildings. Abutting Plaza San José is the Plaza del Quinto Centenario (Quincentennial Square), opened in October 12, 1992. This plaza is the cornerstone of Puerto Rico's commemoration of the 500th anniversary of Columbus' discovery of the New World, has a sculpture which rises 12 meters (40 feet).

The monumental totemic sculpture in black granite and ceramics symbolizes the earthen and clay roots of American history and is the work of Jaime Suarez, one of Puerto Rico's foremost artists. Plaza de Armas (Arms Square) is Old San Juan's main square, on San José Street. Features four statues representing the four seasons; all are over 100 years old. It was carefully planned as the main city square and has served as a social meeting place for generations. Plaza de Colón (Columbus Square) was originally called St. James Square was renamed in 1893 to honor Christopher Columbus on the 400th anniversary of his discovery of Puerto Rico; bronze tablets at the pedestal of the Columbus statue record important episodes in the explorer's life. Plazuela de la Rogativa (Plaza of Religious Procession) was built in 1971, features a modern sculpture depicting a procession of religious women commemorates an event that took place on the site in 1797. During the spring of that year, a fleet of British ships led by under Sir Ralph Ambercrombie sailed into San Juan Bay, meaning to launch an assault on the city and take control of the colony.

When the attack was foiled, they undertook a naval blockade of San Juan, hoping to starve the residents into submission. As the towns people began to despair of any help from soldiers garrisoned in the inland towns, the governor ordered a rogativa, or divine entreaty, to ask the saints for assistance. The women of the town formed a procession through the streets, carrying torches and ringing bells. The British, hearing the commotion and seeing the moving lights, decided that reinforcements had arrived and quickly sailed off. The Plaza de Hostos is located near La Casita, features artisan displays, snack stands, and traditional piragüeros, who sell shaved ice topped with tropical fruit syrup. La Perla La Perla is a historical ramshackle barrio astride the northern historic city wall of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, stretching about 650 yards (600 m) along the rocky Atlantic coast immediately east of the Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery and down the slope from (north of) Calle Norzagaray. It is not probably a sight you expect to see in a major tourist zone.

Established in the late 19th century, the zone was designated for cemeteries, slaughterhouses, and homes of former slaves, servants and the homeless. The law required to be established away from the main city zone; in Old San Juan's case, outside the city walls. Over time, the city's poorer residents established their homes there. Today, La Perla has a population of 338, 198 housing units (29 unoccupied). Residents have defended their right to keep their homes despite goverment efforts to get them to move and transform the area to increase tourism revenue. If you have only one day to explore Old San Juan, these are my recommendations. Parks The Parque de las Palomas (Pigeon Park) is located near the Paseo de la Princesa, next to Capilla del Cristo at the end of Cristo Street. This park overlooks the restored La Princesa Jail, now a government office with an attractive art gallery. It is the perfect spot from which to enjoy a magnificent view of the harbor, city and mountains. It is also a great choice for families with small children; kids will enjoy interacting with the local pigeons.

The Luis Muñoz Rivera Park is an spacious ocean side park with large trees, landscape gardens and wide walks, located on Jesús T. Piñero Avenue. Open Tues-Sun 9:00am - 5:00pm. Other parks include: Martí Coll Linera Park, and Central Park (with facilities for jogging, baseball, calisthenics and tennis). Forts San Felipe del Morro was named in honor of King Phillip II, commonly known as El Morro , is a 16th-century citadel. The word itself sounds powerful and this six-level fortress certainly is. The construction of the Castillo San Felipe del Morro began in 1540 when King Charles V of Spain authorized its construction, including the surrounding walls and completed in 1589. Most of the walls in the fort today were added later, in a period of tremendous construction from the 1760's-1780's. Rising 140 feet above the sea, its 18-foot-thick wall proved a formidable defense. It fell only once, in 1598, to a land assault by the Earl of Cumberland's forces.

The fort is a maze of tunnels, dungeons, barracks, outposts and ramps. El Morro is studded with small, circular sentry boxes called garitas that have become a national symbol. The views of San Juan Bay from El Morro are spectacular. The area was designated a National Historic Site in February, 1949 with 74 total acres. It has the distinction of being the largest fortification in the Caribbean. In 1992, in honor of the 500th anniversary of the discovery of Puerto Rico by Christopher Columbus, the fortress was restored to its historical architectural grace and beauty. El Morro Fortress is a National Historic Site administered by the National Park Service. The fort is open to the public everyday from 9am to 6pm except on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Admissions US$5 adults, children under 15 free, 1-787-729-6960. Castillo de San Cristóbal (San Cristóbal Fort) is El Morro's partner in the city's defense. Built in 1634 (completed in 1771), was considered the Gibraltar of the West Indies.

San Cristóbal was supported by a massive system of outworks which provided defense in depth and is is one of the largest defenses ever built in the Americas. It rose 150 feet, covering 27 acres of land. As if its size and height weren't sufficient to intimidate enemies, its intricate modular design was sure to foil them. A strategic masterpiece, it features five independent units, each connected by moat and tunnel; each fully self-sufficient should the others fall. It's a World Heritage and National Historic Site , administered by the U.S. National Park Service. Open daily from 9am to 6pm; 1-787-729-6960. The Fuerte San Gerónimo (San Gerónimo Fort) was built on the opposite end of San Juan to strengthen the city's defenses. The fort is located behind the Caribe Hilton Hotel, with small military museum in Puerta de Tierra. The Santa Elena Battery building with a long chimney-topped bunker was the formal army storage area.

Buildings and Other Areas of Interest La Fortaleza (also known as the Palacio de Santa Catalina began construction in 1533 and finalized the 25 of May of 1540, as a fortress. It was authorized to be built by Charles V as a defense against Carib Indian attacks. The building was the first of a series of military facilities constructed in the Bay of San Juan, but soon later proved inadequate to guard the entrance to the harbor, and became the official Governor's Residence. The oldest governor's mansion still used as such in Western Hemisphere and part of the old city's World Heritage Site. It has been occupied twice by invaders; by the Earl of Cumberland in 1598 and by the Dutch General Bowdoin Hendrick in 1625 when the building was damaged by fire. A major reconstruction was undertaken in 1640. In 1846, the building was remodeled and given a palatial aspect, uniting harmoniously 16th century military architecture with the refinements of the 19th century. It has been the home of 170 governors of Puerto Rico and is the official residence of the current governor.

Although the original structure (Palatial Building surrounded by gardens) was very primitive, La Fortaleza has undergone numerous changes over its 300 years of history. Free tours are available daily. Open Mon-Fri 9:00am-4:00pm; guided tours in English on the hour, in Spanish every 30 minutes, 1-787-721-7000 ext. 2358. Tours last about 40 minutes. Access to the official areas is not permitted. The Alcaldia (San Juan's City Hall), started construction in 1602, completed in 1789. In the 1840's the building was heavily remodeled providing its present day facade intended by its builders to be an exact replica of Madrid's. The building has a tourism information center and a small gallery for periodic exhibitions. Open Mon-Fri 8am - 4pm, except holidays. Free admissions. 1-787-724-7171 ext. 2391.

El Capitolio (Capitol Building of Puerto Rico) hold the offices of senators on one wing and those of representatives on the other, with galleries, friezes, mosaics and an impressive rotunda in which Puerto Rico's constitution is exhibited. Construction began in 1919 and the building was inaugurated on February 11, 1929. Guided tours by appointment only, Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, 1-787-721-5200 ext. 301. The Catedral de San Juan (San Juan Cathedral) is the second oldest cathedral in the Western Hemisphere; construction began in 1521. The original church on these grounds had wooden walls and a thatched roof. It was destroyed by hurricane in 1526 (October 4th), rebuilt in in 1540, looted in 1598, and damaged by another hurricane in 1615. The Cathedral as seen today is the result of work done in 1917, when major restorations were performed. This Cathedral is an authentic and rare New World example of medieval architecture.

The cathedral contains the marble tomb of the island's first governor Juan Ponce de León and the relic of San Pio, a Roman martyr. San Juan Cathedral still holds religious services on a regular schedule. Visitors can explore the cathedral from 8:30am to 4pm daily. The Iglesia de San José (San José Church) began construction in 1523. Juan Ponce de León gave the land where the Church now stands. Originally called the Church and Monastery of Saint Thomas Aquinas, it was built by Dominican friars to serve as the monastery's church and chapel dedicated to Saint Thomas Aquinas. The section erected in 1532, the Main Chapel or Sanctuary, is an excellent example of 16th century Spanish Gothic architecture. Ponce de León, was buried here for 300 years until his body was moved to the San Juan Cathedral in 1913. This was the family church of Ponce de León's descendants. Puerto Rican painter José Campeche, who contributed a great deal to the beautiful churches of his island, is buried here.

Open Mon-Sat 8:30am - 4pm, Sun mass at 12:00pm; 1-787-725-7501. The Capilla del Cristo (Cristo Chapel) was built in the 18th century (1753). The stories surrounding the history of this small chapel conflict wildly except on one point: someone on horseback took a terrible spill off the cliffs at the end of Calle Cristo. Whether he lived, and the chapel was built to commemorate the miracle, or whether he died, and the chapel was to block off the street and prevent such an accident from happening again, is the part of the story that is in dispute. The beautiful Campeche paintings and altar inside can be seen through the church's glass doors. Open Tues. 10am - 4pm. The Casino of Puerto Rico was built just before World War I. The exterior - in the style of French mansions of the Louis XVI era, a copper copula, a large ballroom with elaborate plaster-work and a 12-foot chandelier distinguish this building.

The Teatro Tapia (Tapia Theater) was built in 1832 (financed by subscriptions and by taxes on bread and imported liquor) and remodeled in 1949 and 1987 is one of the oldest theaters in the Western Hemisphere, was named for Alejandro Tapia y Rivera, the famous Puerto Rican playwright. Still hosts a variety of entertainment in the fine arts, plays, ballets and concerts. 1-787-721-0169 or 1-787-721-0180. Centro de Bellas Artes (Fine Arts Center) opened its doors in 1981. The modern facilities offer concerts, plays, and opera. It is the largest fine arts center in the Caribbean. Located on Ponce de León Avenue, Santurce. Ticket windows are open daily from 10am to 6pm. and remain open until 8:00 p.m. on performance nights.

1-787-725-7353, 1-787-725-7354 or 1-787-725-7358. The Escuela de Artes Plásticas (School of Fine Arts) was built by the Spanish colonial government in the 1800s. Previously the facilities served as an asylum for mental patients. La Intendencia, formerly the Spanish colonial exchequer, a fine example of 19th century Puerto Rican architecture, now houses Puerto Rico's State Department. Open Mon-Fri 8am - 12pm, 1pm - 4:30pm, 1-787-722-2121. Museums The San Juan Museum of Art and History was built in 1855 as a market and restored in 1979 as a cultural center, showcases Puerto Rico art and music, including concerts and festivals. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10am - 4pm, 1-787-724-1875.

The Pablo Casals Museum is the Spanish master's legacy to the people of Puerto Rico. The museum collection includes manuscripts, memorabilia, photographs and a library of videotapes of Festival Casals concerts. Casals moved to Puerto Rico with his wife in the 1950s. He became the conductor of the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra and the president of the Conservatory of Music in Puerto Rico. The museum is open Tuesdays through Saturdays, 9:30am to 5:30pm. Admissions US$1 adults, US$0.50 children, 1-787-723-9185. Casa de los Dos Zaguanes (House of the Two Foyers) is home of the Museo del Indio (Museum of the Indian) and features exhibits on the indigenous peoples of the Caribbean region, with exhibits, ceramics and archaeological digs. Located on San José Street, Old San Juan. Open Tues-Sat 9am - 4pm. Admission free, 1-787-724-5477 or 1-787-722-1709.

The Asilo de Beneficencia (Home for the Poor) was built 1840s for the indigent people. Today houses the Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña (Institute of Puerto Rican Culture) offering exhibits galleries every day, features an impressive collection of artifacts from pre-European Puerto Rico, including pottery, stone tools and relics, and a recreation of a Taíno village. Open Wed-Sun: 9am - 4:30pm. Admission: US $1. 9 Calle Santana Elena Norzagarais, 1-787-724-5949 or 1-787-724-5477. The Convento de los Dominicos (Dominican Convent) was built by Dominican friars in 1523, this building has served alternately as a convent, as a shelter against Carib Indian raids, and as the Caribbean headquarters of the U.S. Army. The convent contains a small chapel museum.

Open Wed-Sun, 9am - 12pm, 1pm - 4:30pm; cultural events are sometimes held in the patio, art exhibitions in the galleries, 1-787-721-6866. The Casa Blanca (White House) was built in 1521 and lived in by Ponce de León descendants for over 250 years. In 1779 it was taken over by the Spanish military, then used later by the United States as a residence for military commanders (1898-1966). Today the mansion serves as National Historic Monument, housing a museum of 16th, 17th and 18th century history. Each room is decorated in a style associated with a period of the house's history. Casa Blanca is the oldest continuously occupied residence in the Western Hemisphere. Located on San Sebastián Street, Old San Juan, it houses a ethnographic museum and Taino (native Indian) artifacts. Open to the public Tuesday through Sunday, 9am to noon, 1pm to 4:30pm. Guided tours Tuesday-Friday by appointment.

Admission US$2 adults, US$1 children, 1-787-724-4102. The Casa Rosada (Pink House) was built in 1812 for the Spanish army. Today houses a government tourism office where you can pick up brochures, maps and a complimentary welcome cocktail made with Puerto Rican rum. La Casita (Little House) is home of the Puerto Rico Tourism Co. Information Center. Open Mon-Wed from 8:30am to 8pm; Thu-Fri until 5:30pm; and Sat-Sun, 9am to 8pm. 1-787-722-1709. The Casa de Ramón Power y Girault is the headquarters for the Conservation Trust of Puerto Rico, it also serves as a conservation resource center, in which critical environmental issues can be explored through an interactive multimedia exhibition entitled OJO-ISLA. Located at 155 Tetuán Street. Open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10am to 4:00pm, 1-787-722-5834.

The Ruinas de Caparra (Caparra Ruins) are those of an ancient fort where Ponce de León founded the first settlement on the island in 1508. The Museum of the Conquest and Colonization of Puerto Rico at the ruins offers historical documents, exhibits and artifacts. Open daily 9am - 4pm, 1-787-781-4795. The Cuartel de Ballajá (Ballajá Barracks or Ballajá Quarters) housed Spanish soldiers and their families in the late 1800s, the building could accommodate up to 1,000 people. The construction began in 1854, the main building was completed in 1863 and the chapel was added in 1881. Originally conceived as a solution to the lodging needs of military personnel stationed in San Juan. The Cuartel de Ballajá is a three-story square building with large gates on two ends, ample balconies, designed with a series of arches and a protected central courtyard that served as a plaza and covers a reservoir.

The Cuartel de Ballajá was the last and largest building constructed by the Spaniards in the New World. Facilities included officer quarters, warehouses, kitchens, dining rooms, prison cells and stables. After the Spanish American War, the U.S. Army used Ballajá to house its Infantry division. In 1943, it was converted into a military medical facility, known as the Rodriguez Hospital and it was part of the Fort Brooke structure. Today it houses the Museum of the Americas (inaugurated October 12, 1992), located on its second floor. The museum features changing exhibitions, craft exhibits and an impressive collection of Caribbean and European American art and artifacts, most notably a diverse collection of carved santos (saints). Open Monday-Friday 10am - 4pm, Sat-Sun 11am - 5pm, guided tours available weekdays 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm and 2pm. Admission free, 1-787-724-5052.

The Museo de Doña Fela (Felisa Rincón de Gautier Museum) is a colonial building that was once the home of Felisa Rincón de Gautier, the dynamic mayor of San Juan from 1946 to 1968. Memorabilia from the mayor's life, such as plaques, correspondence and furniture, are on display. Open Mon-Fri: 9am - 4pm; 1-787-723-1897. The Sacred Heart University with the Museum of Contemporary Puerto Rican Art (Tue-Sat 9:00-4:00 p.m., Sun 11am - 5pm, 1-787-268-0049. Others museums include: The Archaeologist Adolfo de Hostos Museum, and the Museum of the Seas. Other Sights San Juan Beach & Resort area. This area starts just outside of Old San Juan and includes the areas of Condado, Miramar, Ocean Park and Isla Verde. This is a area of fancy hotels, casinos, nightclubs, restaurants and chic boutiques.

Casa de los Contrafuertes (House of Buttresses) is a traditional Spanish-style home, which holds the Museum of Colonial Architecture and the Museum of the Puerto Rican Family. This is believed to be the oldest residence left in Old San Juan, dating back to the early 18th century. Open Wed-Sun, 9am - 4:30pm, 1-787-724-5949. Also within Casa de los Contrafuertes you will find the Museo de Nuestra Raíz Africana (African Heritage Museum), features African artifacts, including masks, maps, musical instruments, and paintings. Open Mon-Fri from 9:30am to 5pm, and Sat from 10am to 5pm. Admission free, 1-787-724-4294 or 1-787-724-4184.

Casa del Libro (House of the Book) is an 18th-century house that is now a book museum holding a rare collection of early manuscripts and books (nearly 5,000 works), some dating back to the 15th century. Among the museum's most precious possessions are two royal mandates signed by Ferdinand and Isabella in 1493 concerning provisioning Columbus' fleet for his second voyage. Open Tues-Sat, except holidays, 11am - 4:30pm, 1-787-723-0354. The Puerta de San Juan (San Juan Gate) was built in the late 1700s, is one of six heavy wooden doors in the wall which for centuries were closed at sundown to cut off access to the city and protect the city from invaders. The wall is up to 20 feet thick and up to 40 feet tall. La Princesa (the princess), formerly the local San Juan penitentiary was built in 1837. It is elegantly landscaped with trees, a fountain, and a bronze sculpture. The building houses the Puerto Rico Tourism Company headquarters and rotating art exhibits.

Open Mon-Fri from 9am to 4pm. 1787-721-2400. Paseo de la Princesa (promenade of the princess) is an elegantly landscaped walkway with trees, statues, benches, street lamps and kiosks. The promenade faces the bay. Centro Nacional de Artes Populares y Artesanias (Popular Arts and Crafts Center) is part of the Puerto Rico Institute of Culture, displays and offers for sale a verity of island crafts. University of Puerto Rico which include campus, University Museum and the Jardin Botánico (Botanical Garden) is located in the Río Piedras. The University Museum has archaeological and historical exhibitions, and also monthly art exhibitions. Open Monday-Friday, 9am - 11pm, weekends 9am - 3pm, 1-787-764-0000, ext 2452. The Botanical Garden is a living laboratory of the native flora of Puerto Rico, with over 200 species of tropical and sub-tropical plants.

There are many exotic plants, including Egyptian papyrus, red palm, rain tree, candle tree, cantaloupe tree, the shapely Puerto Rican palm, and much more. Open daily 9am - 4:30pm, 1-787-250-0000 ext 6580 or 1-787-763-4408. The YMCA was built in 1914 and today shares the building with the Olympic Committee. Its facilities include a patio and the Salón de los Presidentes, (a meeting room). Cementerio de San Juan (San Juan Cemetery) is located between El Morro and the rocky cliffs above the Atlantic is considered one of the most picturesque of burial grounds anywhere. The cemetery is particularly noteworthy for its elaborate tombstones and the circular neoclassical chapel dedicated to Mary Magdalen. The most notable piece is a circular, red-domed chapel, which dates back to the late 19th century. Piñones Reserve is a sub-tropical moist forest, includes mangroves, sea turtle nesting sites and beautiful beaches. No camping allowed.

Colonial Adventures offers organized historical and art walking tours of Old San Juan, 1-787-729-0114. Ferry services are offered from San Juan to Cataño, across the San Juan Bay. Departs daily from Pier 2 in Old San Juan every half-hour between 6am and 10pm. For information call 1-787-788-1155. Tids and Bits Google Map of San Juan, Puerto Rico - Nations Online Project Image: ethorson San Juan is a city with a rich Spanish heritage. Christopher Columbus 'discovered' the island more than 500 years ago, in 1493. Soon after Spanish colonists arrived and established a settlement in 1508. That first settlement was abandoned and the colonists moved to the Islet of Puerto Rico in 1521 to establish a new town which they named 'Villa de Puerto Rico'. Making it the second oldest European-established city in the Americas, after Santo Domingo , in the Dominican Republic . Today San Juan is inhabited by about 355,000 people (est.

2015), 2.5 million live in its metropolitan area (2010). It is the second most populous city in the Caribbean, only surpassed by Santo Domingo. Official languages are Spanish (Puerto Rican Spanish) and English. The city is the island's core for almost anything. San Juan is Puerto Rico's most important seaport, it is one of the busiest ports in the Caribbean and Latin America. Transportation, manufacturing, banking, and tourism are the economic muscle of the city and the nation. The University of Puerto Rico with its 11 campuses and about 58,000 students is based in San Juan. San Juan points of interest. Aerial view of Old San Juan cruise terminal at Calle Marina. Image: James Willamor One of the city's main tourist attractions are Old San Juan (Viejo San Juan) on the Isleta de San Juan, it is the heart of the historic part of the city with its colonial buildings lining narrow streets and its long standing defensive walls and forts of Puerto Rico built to protect the city and the Bay of San Juan from English and Dutch attacks.

El Morro (Castillo San Felipe del Morro) was the first fortification on the island, construction of the citadel began in 1539, and there is the 16th-century citadel, the Castle of San Cristóbal (Castillo San Cristóbal), built between 1765–1783, it was the largest fortification ever constructed by the Spanish in the Americas. Large sections of the Old Town are now part of the San Juan National Historic Site ( nps.gov/saju/ ), managed by the National Park Service. Both citadels, the Castillo San Felipe del Morro, and the Castillo San Cristóbal are UNESCO World Heritage Sites ( whc.unesco.org/en/list/266 ). La Fortaleza (Palacio de Santa Catalina), the official residence of the Governor of Puerto Rico. Visual arts: Museum of Art of Puerto Rico - MAPR, art museum and home of Puerto Rican art, showcased in the building of the former municipal hospital ( mapr.org ).

Puerto Rico Museum of Contemporary Art - MAC, the museum features art created since the mid-twentieth century to the present in Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, and Latin America ( mac-pr.org ) Performing arts: Luis A. Ferré Performing Arts Center, multi-use concert hall and theater complex for national and international shows and performances located along the Ponce de Leon Avenue in Santurce barrio ( cba.gobierno.pr ). Beaches: Ocean Park, an upscale beachfront community with its single family homes, small guesthouses, Bed & Breakfast Inns, cafes and pubs. The beaches at Isla Verde and Condado, tree-lined oceanfront with a pedestrian-oriented community in Santurce east of the historic colonial district and west of the international airport. Churches: Cathedral of San Juan Bautista, one of the oldest churches in the western hemisphere, the Neoclassical style cathedral was constructed in 1540. San José Church, located in the historic colonial section of Old San Juan is an example of one of the oldest Gothic-influenced religious buildings constructed by the Spanish in the Americas.

Sports: Coliseo de Puerto Rico, largest indoor arena in Puerto Rico, venue for sports, concerts and other events ( coliseodepuertorico.com ). Hiram Bithorn Stadium, municipal baseball park. The map shows San Juan with expressways and main roads, and the location of Isla Grande Airport, official Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci Airport ( IATA Code : SIG) and Luis Munoz Marin International Airport ( IATA Code : SJU), Puerto Rico's main airport situated west of the city. To view just the map, click on the "Map" button. To switch between various map types click on this buttons: Click the Map button for a street map, this button holds the option for Terrain, it displays a physical map with topographical details. Click the Satellite for a satellite image; with the option to switch Labels (names, borders, roads, business, etc.) on and off, for a combination of satellite image and street map. The "Pegman" symbol offers the switch to Google's street view, the 360-degree, panoramic street-level imagery.

To enjoy street views, grab pegman with your cursor and hoover over the map, when street view is available parts of the map will change to blue, drop pegman there and you might have a lot of fun within unimaginable boring landscapes. The colourful streets of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico | Traveling Canucks The colourful streets of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico Posted in: Caribbean Islands , Featured , Photography , Pictures , Puerto Rico , Sightseeing , Trip Ideas , World Heritage Site The colourful streets of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico One of the best surprises from our trip to the Caribbean was discovering Old San Juan, the oldest settlement in Puerto Rico and the historical colonial section of San Juan, it’s capital city. WOW – what an incredible place! We did a little research about Puerto Rico prior to visiting, but our research did nothing to prepare us for how much we would fall for Old San Juan. Most of our research highlighted San Juan’s former defensive forts, Fort San Felipe del Morro and Fort San Cristóbal, as the prime tourist attractions in the old fortified city.

While these historical forts are definitely worth a visit, the clear highlight from our time in Puerto Rico was wandering the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan and admiring its colourful buildings and stunning European-influenced architecture. Many people are surprised to learn that San Juan is the second most populous metropolitan area in the Caribbean (following Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic ). It certainly took us by surprise. We couldn’t believe our eyes when we looked out the airplane window as we approached the city. It’s huge! Don’t make the mistake of assuming that San Juan is a quaint Caribbean town sheltered by palm trees – it’s a full blown city that’s more comparable to Miami. San Juan is also the second oldest European-established capital city in the Americas, founded by Spanish colonists in 1521. The city’s rich history is on display as you walk up and down its historical streets. In 1983 the old fortified city was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, a well deserved designation. The beautiful Plaza de Armas Free Trolley Service in Old San Juan On our first day in the city, the plan was to first visit Fort San Felipe del Morro, also known as Castillo San Felipe del Morro or Morro Castle.

See above picture. This 16th century citadel, along with the fortified walls and gates that surround the old city, have been declared a San Juan National Historic Site , so it’s often the first stop on most first time visitor’s sightseeing list. We stayed at the Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel , located on the waterfront near the cruise ship port, which is about a 20 minute walk to the Fort San Felipe del Morro. We planned to walk from the Sheraton to the entrance of the castle grounds because our map showed that if was fairly close. We asked our hotel concierge about the walk and she informed us that, while the distance from the hotel to the fort is not far, it’s mostly uphill. She recommended that we hop on the free trolley service instead of walking uphill in the blistering heat. Conveniently, there’s a trolley stop in front of the Sheraton. Free trolley service? That’s a nice surprise. There are 4 routes to choose from with 26 marked stops throughout Old San Juan (similar to a bus stop).

There are two types of trolleys – an open-aired trolley that looks like a train of over-sized golf carts and another trolley that looks like a small bus. The longest route takes about 30 minutes to complete. The circuit passes most of the popular attractions on the way, so you can hop on and off as you please. It’s not a tour and there are no tour guides giving you information, but it’s a great way to see the sights, especially when you’re traveling with two little ones and their grandparents. Have you ever seen such a good looking Subway restaurant? Not your average looking Walgreen’s pharmacy either! Inside the Cathedral of San Juan Bautista, one of the oldest buildings in Old San Juan and the second oldest cathedral in the Americas. Where did we stay? We stayed at the newly-renovated Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel . This hotel has the perfect location in Old San Juan. It’s located directly on the waterfront promenade, across the street from the cruise ship port. It’s within walking distance to the San Juan National Historic Site and beautiful cobblestone streets of Old San Juan. The free shuttle we mentioned earlier is located right in front of the hotel, which is perfect for sightseeing.

There are plenty of restaurants and shops within a 5 minute walk of the hotel. The hotel has a patio restaurant that overlooks San Juan Bay and offers happy hour specials. We enjoyed many Medalla beers on that patio – here’s evidence . Learn more here – Puerto Rico Facts, Facts about Puerto Rico Puerto Rico Facts Where is Puerto Rico ? The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is an archipelago, located in the northeastern Caribbean. It is an unincorporated territory of the United States of American and is situated east of the Dominican Republic and west of United States Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands. What is the capital of Puerto Rico ? San Juan is the capital of Puerto Rico. It is the most populous city and an important seaport of the Commonwealth. It is also the country's manufacturing, financial, cultural, and tourism center. Founded in 1509, it is the second oldest European-established city in the Americas. How big is Puerto Rico ? The total area of Puerto Rico is 3,515 square miles. It has an estimated population of 3,725,789. What is the currency of Puerto Rico ? The official currency of Puerto Rico is American dollar.

It is subdivided into 100 cents or pennies. Its ISO 4217 code is USD. It is also one of the world's reserve currencies. Which is the largest city of Puerto Rico ? San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, is the largest city of the country. It covers a total area of 76.93 square miles and has an estimated population of 395,326. It is situated along the northeastern coast of Puerto Rico. What is the official language of Puerto Rico ? English and Spanish are the official languages of Puerto Rico. Spanish is the primary language, while English is taught as a second language. What is the religion of Puerto Rico ? The dominant religion in Puerto Rico is Christianity. The first religion of Puerto Rican origin, Mita Congregation, was founded by Juanita Garcia Peraza in 1940. Jews, Muslims, and Tibetan Buddhism constitute the minority in the country. What is the literacy rate of Puerto Rico ? The literacy rate of Puerto Rico in 2002 was 94.1%. Adult male literacy rate was 93.9%, while it was 94.4% for females.

Who is the political leader of Puerto Rico ? Subjected to U.S. jurisdiction and sovereignty, Puerto Rico has a republican form of government. Its head of state is the President of the United States of America. The government is divided into three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. Executive branch is led by the Governor, while the legislative branch comprises the Legislative Assembly and House of Representative. Judicial powers are vested in the Supreme Court. Barack Obama is the current and the 44th President of United States of America. He was sworn in as the president on January 20,2009. Luis Fortuno is the current Governor of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. He was sworn in on January 2, 2009. When is the National Day of Puerto Rico celebrated ? The National Puerto Rican Day Parade is celebrated on every second Sunday in June. It is celebrated in honor of the citizens of the country and takes place annually along Fifth Avenue, New York City. July 25, is also celebrated as the Constitution Day. On this day in 1952, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico was established.

This day is also the anniversary of US troops landing in the Puerto Rican Campaign of the Spanish-American War on July 25, 1898. What is the economy of Puerto Rico like ? In 2008, the GDP of the country was $88 billion, while its per capita income in 2010 was $16,300. The economy of the country is largely centered around services and industry, with services sector accounting for 54% of the GDP. It is followed by industry(45%) and agriculture (1%). Unemployment rate stands at 16.1%. Major industries in the country are pharmaceuticals, electronics, apparel, food products, and tourism. US, UK, Netherlands, Dominican Republic, Japan, and Ireland are the major trading partners. Last Updated Date: May 25, 2016 MAJOR CITIES IN PUERTO RICO: SAN JUAN | Moving to Puerto Rico.net  Moving Answers.org - Answers from Experts QUICK TIP If you move a piano it is best to ask your mover if the moving crew is able to handle the disassembly/reassembly of your piano or if a specialist should be hired to do this.

QUALITY MOVING BOXES People moving to Puerto Rico have the privilege of getting the cheapest, yet high-quality, professional moving boxes and supplies available for purchase online. The delivery is free and usually takes only one day to get to your home from one of our 5 warehouses located all over the country. You can choose among the different types of supplies or purchase entire kits - just what you need for your move! Click to purchase >> MOVING TO CENTRAL AMERICA Major Cities in Puerto Rico San Juan | Bayamón | Carolina | Ponce | Caguas | Guaynabo | Arecibo San Juan: San Juan is the capital and most populous municipality in Puerto Rico. As of the 2000 census, it has a population of 433,733, making it the 42nd-largest city in the United States. San Juan was founded by Spanish colonists in 1521, who called it Ciudad de Puerto Rico ("Rich Port City"). Puerto Rico's capital is the second oldest European-established city in the Americas, after Santo Domingo, in the Dominican Republic.

Several historical buildings are located in San Juan; among the most notable are the city's former defensive forts, Fort San Felipe del Morro and Fort San Cristobál, and La Fortaleza, the oldest executive mansion in continuous use in the Americas. Today, San Juan serves as one of Puerto Rico's most important seaports, and is the island's manufacturing, financial, cultural, and tourism center. The city has been the host of numerous important events within the sports community, including the 1979 Pan American Games, 1966 Central American and Caribbean Games, 2006 and 2009 World Baseball Classics and the Caribbean Series. The city of San Juan was called Puerto Rico meaning "rich port", and the entire island was called San Juan. The capital and the island's names were later accidentally switched.

Learn more about San Juan: San Juan in Wikipedia: Learn More About Traffic Ticket Cases in San Juan, Puerto Rico | OpenJurist Learn More About Traffic Ticket Cases in San Juan, Puerto Rico data-ad-slot="4230258406" data-ad-format="auto"> San Juan (from San Juan Bautista "Saint John the Baptist--official name "Municipio de la Ciudad Capital San Juan Bautista is the capital and largest municipality in Puerto Rico. As of the 2000 census, it has a population of 433,733, making it the 42nd-largest city under the jurisdiction of the United States. San Juan was founded by Spanish colonists in 1521, who called it Ciudad de Puerto Rico . Puerto Rico's capital is the second oldest European-established city in the Americas, after Santo Domingo, in the Dominican Republic. Several historical buildings are located in San Juan; among the most notable are the city's former defensive forts, Fort San Felipe del Morro and Fort San Cristobál, and La Fortaleza, the oldest executive mansion in continuous use in the Americas.

Today, San Juan is one of Puerto Rico's most important seaports, and is the island's manufacturing, financial, cultural, and tourism center. The population of the Metropolitan Statistical Area, including San Juan and the municipalities of Bayamón, Guaynabo, Cataño, Canóvanas, Caguas, Toa Alta, Toa Baja, Carolina and Trujillo Alto, is about 2 million inhabitants; thus, about half the population of Puerto Rico now lives and works in this area. San Juan is also a principal city of the San Juan-Caguas-Fajardo Combined Statistical Area. The city has been the host of numerous important events within the sports community, including the 1979 Pan American Games, 1966 Central American and Caribbean Games, 2006 and 2009 World Baseball Classics and the Caribbean Series. Originally, the city of San Juan was called Puerto Rico meaning "rich port", and the entire island was called San Juan. The capital and the island's names were later accidentally switched. Traffic Ticket Cases Lawyers In San Juan Puerto Rico What is traffic ticket cases?

A traffic ticket is a notice issued by a police officer to a motorist or other road user who fails to obey traffic laws. Traffic tickets generally come in two forms, a moving violation, such as exceeding the speed limit, or a non-moving violation, such as a parking ticket. Attorneys who handle traffic ticket or traffic violation cases represent drivers who have been pulled over and issued a ticket for offenses like speeding, running a stop sign or red light, mechanical violations, and reckless driving. A traffic tickets lawyer may fight imposition of a traffic violation conviction by challenging the citing observations of the officer and conclusions in making the stop and issuing the ticket. Giselle Vivaldi and Evan Grant's Wedding Website Travel and Transportation Rent a Car We highly recommend renting a car if you want to explore the Island. The best options are: 1. Alamo 2. EZ Both are available at the SJU airport and rates start at $15 per day (without taxes). The Church The Reception Casa España Casa de España is the headquarters of a private social organization whose members are those of Spanish descent in San Juan, Puerto Rico on Calle Ponce de Leon. The building was designed in a Moorish Revival Pedro Adolfo de Castro.

The building dates from 1932. Although it is named "Casa", it has never been a dwelling place for a family; rather it is a "house" whose members claim common ancestry. It was listed on National Register of Historic Places in 1983. It is not open to the public, but private affairs may be arranged. Things to Do Oceano A little history San Juan is the capital and most populous municipality in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the United States. As of the 2010 census, it had a population of 395,326 making it the 46th-largest city under the jurisdiction of the United States. San Juan was founded by Spanish colonists in 1521, who called it Ciudad de Puerto Rico ("Rich Port City"). Puerto Rico's capital is the second oldest European-established capital city in the Americas, after Santo Domingo, in the Dominican Republic. [5] Several historical buildings are located in San Juan; among the most notable are the city's former defensive forts, Fort San Felipe del Morro and Fort San Cristóbal, and La Fortaleza, the oldest executive mansion in continuous use in the Americas.

Today, San Juan is the Puerto Rico's most important seaport, [6] and is the island's manufacturing, financial, cultural, and tourism center. The population of the Metropolitan Statistical Area, including San Juan and the municipalities of Bayamón, Guaynabo, Cataño, Canóvanas, Caguas, Toa Alta, Toa Baja, Carolina and Trujillo Alto, is about 2 million inhabitants; thus, about half the population of Puerto Rico now lives and works in this area. [7] San Juan is also a principal city of the San Juan-Caguas-Fajardo Combined Statistical Area. History San Juan, as a settlement of the Spanish Empire, was used by merchant and military ships traveling from Spain as the first stopover in the Americas. Because of its prominence in the Caribbean, a network of fortifications was built to protect the transports of gold and silver from the New World to Europe. Because of the rich cargoes, San Juan became a target of the foreign powers of the time.

The city was witness to attacks from the English led by Sir Francis Drake in 1595 (in what is known as the Battle of Puerto Rico) and by George Clifford, Earl of Cumberland, in 1598. Artillery from San Juan's fort, El Morro, repelled Drake; however, Clifford managed to land troops and lay siege to the city. After a few months of English occupation, Clifford was forced to abandon the siege when his troops began to suffer from exhaustion and sickness. In 1625 the city was sacked by Dutch forces led by Captain Balduino Enrico (also known as Boudewijn Hendricksz/Bowdoin Henrick), but El Morro withstood the assault and was not taken. Captain Juan de Amezquita and 50 members of the civilian militia on land and by the cannons of the Spanish troops in El Morro Castle counterattacked the Dutch. The land battle left 60 Dutch soldiers dead and Enrico with a sword wound to his neck, which he received from the hands of Amezquita. Puerto Ricans who defeated those aboard at sea boarded the Dutch ships.

After a long battle, the Spanish soldiers and volunteers of the city's militia were able to defend the city from the attack and save the island from an invasion. On October 21, Enrico set La Fortaleza and the city ablaze. Captains Amezquita and Andre Botello decided to put a stop to the destruction and led 200 men in an attack against the enemy's front and rear guard. They drove Enrico and his men from their trenches and into the ocean in their haste to reach their ships. The British attack in 1797, during the French Revolutionary Wars, led by Sir Ralph Abercromby (who had just conquered Trinidad). His army laid siege to the city but was forced to withdraw in defeat as the Puerto Rican defenses proved more resilient than those of Trinidad. Various events and circumstances, including liberalized commerce with Spain, the opening of the island to immigrants as a direct result of the Royal Decree of Graces of 1815, and the colonial revolutions, led to an expansion of San Juan and other Puerto Rican settlements in the late 18th and early 19th century.

On May 8, 1898, United States Navy ships, among them the USS Detroit, USS Indiana, USS New York, USS Amphitrite, USS Terror and USS Montgomery, commanded by Rear Admiral William T. Sampson arrived at San Juan Bay. The USS Yale captured a Spanish freighter, the Rita in San Juan Bay, thus being the first hostile encounter between the warring sides in Puerto Rico. On May 9, Yale fought a brief battle with an auxiliary cruiser of Spain, name unknown, resulting in a Spanish victory. Around this time, Captain Ángel Rivero Méndez was assigned the command of the Spanish forces in the fortress of San Cristóbal in San Juan. On May 10, the Yale returned to San Juan Bay, Rivero-Méndez ordered his men to open fire upon the USS Yale using an Ordoñez 15 centimeter cannon, thus becoming the first attack against the Americans in Puerto Rico during the Spanish–American War. For his actions, Captain Rivero-Mendez was awarded the "Cruz de la Orden de Merito Militar" (The Cross of the Order of the Military Merit) first class.

The residents of San Juan were furious with Rivero and blamed him for the destruction caused to their city by the American bombardments. Nothing came of those accusations and Capt. Rivero-Méndez was ordered to turn over the keys of all the military installations in San Juan to Captain Henry A. Reed of the U.S. Army after the Treaty of Paris of 1898 was signed. On July 25, General Nelson A. Miles landed at Guánica (in southwestern Puerto Rico) with 3,300 soldiers in what was known as the Puerto Rican Campaign. The American troops found some resistance and engaged the Spanish and Puerto Rican troops in battle, the most notable of these the battles of Yauco and Asomante. All military actions in Puerto Rico were suspended August 13, 1898; after President William McKinley and French Ambassador Jules Cambon, acting on behalf of the Spanish government, signed an armistice . Spain ceded the island to the United States later the same year by signing the Treaty of Paris.

Camp Las Casas, located in the district of Santurce, served as the main training camp for the Puerto Rican soldiers prior to World War I and World War II; the majority of the men trained in this facility were assigned to the "Porto Rico Regiment of Infantry" which was renamed the 65th Infantry Regiment of the United States Army by the Reorganization Act of June 4, 1920. The 65th Infantry was deactivated in 1956 and became the only unit ever to be transferred from an active Army component to the Puerto Rico National Guard. Shanty town along the Martín Peña Canal, 1973 Lieutenant Teófilo Marxuach (Retired as a Lieutenant Colonel), a native of Arroyo, Puerto Rico, fired the first shot in what is considered to be the first shot of World War I fired by the regular armed forces of the United States against any ship flying the colors of the Central Powers.

Marxuach, who was a member of the "Porto Rico Regiment of Infantry" and Officer of the Day, on March 25, 1915, opened fire on the Odenwald, an armed German supply vessel, when it was trying to force its way out of San Juan's bay. The shots ordered by Lt. Marxuach were the first fired by the United States in World War I. In 1919, Félix Rigau Carrera, "El Aguila de Sabana Grande" (The Eagle from Sabana Grande), the first Puerto Rican pilot, became the first native Puerto Rican to fly an aircraft in the island when he flew his Curtiss JN-4 from Las Casas. At the time, the area was used by the military as an air base and it was also Puerto Rico's first commercial airport, and Rigau Carrera was allowed to perform his historic flight from the air field. Camp Las Casas was eventually closed down, and in 1950 a public housing project by the name of Residencial Fray Bartolome de Las Casas was constructed on its former location.

On January 2, 1947, the people of San Juan elected Felisa Rincón de Gautier (also known as Doña Fela) (1897–1994) as their mayor. Thus, she became the first woman to be elected as the Mayor of a capital city in any of The Americas. [26] During the Cold War era, she ordered the establishment of the island's first Civil Defense system under the directorship of Colonel Gilberto José Marxuach (Teófilo's son). [27] Rincón de Gautier served as mayor until January 2, 1969. On October 30, 1950, San Juan was the scene of the San Juan Uprising, one of many uprisings, which occurred in various towns and cities in Puerto Rico, by the Puerto Rican Nationalist Party against the governments of Puerto Rico and the United States. Among the uprising's main objective was to attack "La Fortaleza" (the Governor's mansion) and the United States Federal Court House Building in Old San Juan.

In accordance to the planned uprising in San Juan, a group of nationalists were supposed to attack simultaneously the gubernatorial mansion La Fortaleza, where Puerto Rican governor Luis Muñoz Marín resided, and the United States Federal Court House which is located close to an area called "La Marina" in Old San Juan. The La Fortaleza battle, which ensued between the nationalists and the police lasted 15 minutes, and ended when four of the five attackers were killed. References Learn More About Foreclosure Law in San Juan, Puerto Rico | OpenJurist Learn More About Foreclosure Law in San Juan, Puerto Rico data-ad-slot="4230258406" data-ad-format="auto"> San Juan (from San Juan Bautista "Saint John the Baptist--official name "Municipio de la Ciudad Capital San Juan Bautista is the capital and largest municipality in Puerto Rico. As of the 2000 census, it has a population of 433,733, making it the 42nd-largest city under the jurisdiction of the United States. San Juan was founded by Spanish colonists in 1521, who called it Ciudad de Puerto Rico .

Puerto Rico's capital is the second oldest European-established city in the Americas, after Santo Domingo, in the Dominican Republic. Several historical buildings are located in San Juan; among the most notable are the city's former defensive forts, Fort San Felipe del Morro and Fort San Cristobál, and La Fortaleza, the oldest executive mansion in continuous use in the Americas. Today, San Juan is one of Puerto Rico's most important seaports, and is the island's manufacturing, financial, cultural, and tourism center. The population of the Metropolitan Statistical Area, including San Juan and the municipalities of Bayamón, Guaynabo, Cataño, Canóvanas, Caguas, Toa Alta, Toa Baja, Carolina and Trujillo Alto, is about 2 million inhabitants; thus, about half the population of Puerto Rico now lives and works in this area. San Juan is also a principal city of the San Juan-Caguas-Fajardo Combined Statistical Area.

The city has been the host of numerous important events within the sports community, including the 1979 Pan American Games, 1966 Central American and Caribbean Games, 2006 and 2009 World Baseball Classics and the Caribbean Series. Originally, the city of San Juan was called Puerto Rico meaning "rich port", and the entire island was called San Juan. The capital and the island's names were later accidentally switched. Foreclosure Law Lawyers In San Juan Puerto Rico What is foreclosure law? Foreclosure is the cutting off or termination of a right to property to compel payment of a mortgage or other debt secured by a lien. As to real property, like a house or land, foreclosure is started because of non-payment of the debt and leads to the selling of the property to which the mortgage or lien is attached in order to satisfy that debt. Lawyers who assist with foreclosure issues help struggling homeowners consider their options -- both foreclosure and foreclosure alternatives -- and determine the best course of action. Foreclosure alternatives may include loan modification, short sale, forbearance, reinstatement, and repayment plans.

1000+ images about Puerto Rico History on Pinterest | Puerto rico, San juan and Puerto ricans Destileria Serralles auspicia la pizarra electrónica del Parque Sixto Escobar de San Juan, Puerto Rico | Historia y Genealogia PR See More

Question: The second oldest European-established city in the Americas, what is the capital and most populous city in Puerto Rico?
Answer: San Juan