La Fortaleza and San Juan National Historic Site
Puerto Rico (USA) ·
Description
San Juan is the Spanish Empire's Caribbean fortress. El Morro and San Cristóbal, with walls up to 6 meters thick, resisted attacks from Drake, the Dutch and English for three centuries. Old San Juan preserves blue cobblestone streets, wrought-iron balconies and the Americas' oldest cathedral, where Ponce de León's remains rest.
Why It's a World Heritage Site
San Juan preserves the New World's oldest and most extensive Spanish colonial fortifications. El Morro and San Cristóbal are military engineering masterpieces. Old San Juan maintains its colonial layout intact.
UNESCO Criteria
Frequently Asked Questions
For preserving the New World's oldest and most extensive Spanish colonial fortifications.
It was inscribed in 1983 under criterion (vi).
Castillo San Felipe del Morro: 16th-century fortress protecting the bay entrance.
Yes, within the city like Condado; Isla Verde is near the airport.
Not for US citizens; Puerto Rico is US territory.