This San Juan Explore Historic Sites Walking Excursion begins by meeting with your friendly and experienced guide just outside your San Juan cruise ship terminal.
The Castillo San Felipe del Morro is a 16th-century citadel and was built to guard the entrance to the San Juan Bay. The bay was a popular docking area for all sorts of ships due to its depths. The construction began in 1539 on the orders of King Charles V of Spain, but it continued to increase in size due to additions built over the centuries to accommodate changing military technology. It is also interesting to note that the Castillo San Felipe del Morro was built strong enough to withstand several attacks by the English. In modern times, it was designated a World Heritage Site by the United Nations in conjunction with the San Juan National Historic Site.
Castillo San Cristobal Fort which is 15 minutes away from the San Juan Cruise Terminal may be visited instead due to traffic. Not to worry, both of the forts are quite impressive and both are internationally recognized historical buildings.
The Castillo San Cristobal is a fort that was also built by Spain for protection against land attacks. This fort is part of the San Juan National Historic Site and is the largest fortification built by the Spanish in the New World. When it was completed, in 1783, it covered an area of about 27 acres and wrapped around the landside of San Juan. It is interesting to note that Castillo de San Cristobal (Fort San Cristobal) contains giant cisterns that were used to transport water during the ages of the Spanish Colony. Due to their enormous size, 30 ft. tall, 60 ft. wide and 100 ft. long, they were used as bomb shelters during World War II.
Your guided walking shore excursion of San Juan Puerto Rico through the fort is approximately 45 minutes. You will then head to Old San Juan where you will visit the San Juan Cathedral. This cathedral is one of the oldest buildings in San Juan and the second oldest cathedral in the Americas. You can visit the tomb of the Spanish explorer and settlement founder Juan Ponce de León and marvel with the beautiful painting of the Virgin of the Providence.
Your next stop is the Ballaja Barracks. These were constructed by Spanish militia in 1864. The structure occupied about 83,000 sq. ft, and could accompany over 1,000 soldiers and their family members. The immense interior patio is a wonderful example of 19th-century Spanish architecture.
Your San Juan walking excursion continues for an exterior visit to observe magnificent buildings like the famous El Convento Hotel and the La Fortaleza (Governor's Mansion). Your knowledgeable and experienced Puerto Rico guide will tell you interesting facts and stories about these sights.
You will also have the chance to stop at the Quincentennial Square, San Juan Gate, and the La Rogativa monument, all great examples of the beauty of Spanish construction.
This San Juan Historic Sightseeing Shore Excursion ends at Cristo Chapel, just a block away from the cruise ship pier. You will have the choice to have the guide lead you to the San Juan cruise ship terminal or you may stay for a little longer in the shopping area and walk back at your own pace. Yyou will have a little more than an hour to look around, drink, lunch, etc.
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