La Fortaleza/ San Juan
National Historic Site, Puerto Rico
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La Fortaleza/ San Juan
National Historic Site, NPS photo
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San
Juan National Historic Site, NPS Photo
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The system of fortifications in
San Juan built by the Spaniards in the early 16th century is the oldest European construction in the
United States and one of the oldest in the New World. Their main purpose was to protect the entrance
of San Juan Bay, ensure that Puerto Rico remained under the sovereignty of Spain, and protect Spanish
commerce in the Caribbean basin. The system that defended San Juan includes three major fortifications.
The first, La Fortaleza (1533) or "Palacio de Santa Catalina" was and continues to be the residence
of governors. Fort San Felipe del Morro (1539), perhaps the most distinct fortification, was built
at the entrance of the harbor and has withstood the five major attacks to the colony.
Fort San Cristóbal, which was constructed in 1634 after the devastating assault by the Dutch, protected the city from land attacks and is the largest fortification built by the Spaniards in America. A fourth, smaller fort, Fort San Juan de la Cruz (1606) strategically positioned across from Fort San Felipe del Morro, provided crossfire to the larger fort and helped control the entrance to the harbor. San Juan is one of the few walled cities left in the New World. The forts and three miles of city wall (mostly still standing) are fine examples of 18th century military architecture and will forever be linked to the power and glory of the Spanish Empire, and the beginning of European ascendancy in world affairs.
Fort San Cristóbal, which was constructed in 1634 after the devastating assault by the Dutch, protected the city from land attacks and is the largest fortification built by the Spaniards in America. A fourth, smaller fort, Fort San Juan de la Cruz (1606) strategically positioned across from Fort San Felipe del Morro, provided crossfire to the larger fort and helped control the entrance to the harbor. San Juan is one of the few walled cities left in the New World. The forts and three miles of city wall (mostly still standing) are fine examples of 18th century military architecture and will forever be linked to the power and glory of the Spanish Empire, and the beginning of European ascendancy in world affairs.
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La Fortaleza/ San Juan National Historic Site, NPS photo
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Inscribed in 1983 as a Cultural site, under Criteria C (vi).
Links
San Juan National Historic Site
La Fortaleza
(in Spanish)
World Heritage Convention
