Religious site

Cathedral of San Juan, Puerto Rico

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The Cathedral of San Juan, formally the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, dates back to the 1520s and is the second oldest cathedral in the Western Hemisphere. Its architecture blends Gothic vaulting with Baroque altars and a striking circular chapel. The most notable feature is the marble tomb of Juan Ponce de León, the first governor of Puerto Rico. Visitors can also see the remains of Spanish missionaries and admire the stained-glass windows depicting biblical scenes. The cathedral remains an active place of worship, offering a serene atmosphere in the heart of Old San Juan.

Don't miss

  • Pay respects at the marble tomb of Juan Ponce de León, located in the transept.
  • Admire the Gothic ribbed vaults and the ornate main altar with its silver frontal.
  • View the 16th-century wooden statue of the Virgin of Providence in the side chapel.

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Ways to visit Cathedral of San Juan, Puerto Rico

You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.

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