El Arsenal (The Arsenal), San Juan

Located on La Puntilla Street, El Arsenal was built in 1791 as a Spanish naval station. Later the building became a citadel, which contained a storage room, offices, living sectors, workshops, a coast guard, kitchens and its own chapel. It features a combination of architectural styles and is now home to three exposition galleries.

The Arsenal played an interesting role in the American-Spanish War in the latest 19th century. After the United States invaded Puerto Rico in 1898 and defected the Spanish army, the island was ceded to the US as part of the Treaty of Paris. The US military allowed the remaining Spanish troops to remain in the Arsenal until they could be transported out of the Island, so Arsenal was the last place where the Spanish Empire in the Americas.

There are still some old canons on display at the Arsenal. The place offers an awesome view of the harbor - it is a fantastic spot for taking Instagram photos!