Audio Guide: Old San Juan Walking Tour (Self Guided), San Juan

Founded by Spanish colonists in 1509, at a site then known as "Puerto Rico" (which means Rich Port in Spanish), San Juan is the third oldest capital in the Americas established by Europeans. In 1521, the words "San Juan" were added to its official name, thus making it "San Juan Bautista de Puerto Rico". This was in keeping with the custom of christening the town with both its formal name and that which Christopher Columbus had originally given to the islands, honoring John the Baptist.

During colonial times, most of the city population resided in what is now known as Old (Viejo) San Juan. In 1983, this lovely part of town, characterized by narrow, blue cobblestone streets, and picturesque, brightly colored buildings (some of which date back almost 500 years), was declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site.

One of its architectural jewels, La Fortaleza, also known as the Santa Catalina Palace, is the oldest executive mansion still in use on the American continent; it was built between 1533 and 1540. Another historical site, the El Morro castle, dates back to 1584. In 1771, the city housed the largest Spanish fortification in the Americas, the San Cristóbal fortress.

Before the 19th century, the area outside the city walls, occupying the east side of Old San Juan Island, was almost uninhabited. In 1865, to facilitate further expansion of the city, the walls along the eastern side of the island were demolished.

In the 1890s, the United States sought to expand its influence over the Caribbean with the help of its navy. This involved the acquisition of colonies that would serve as strategic points of defense and allow easier passage of ships between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

Pursuant to this objective, the United States offered to purchase Puerto Rico and Cuba from Spain for 160 million dollars. After the proposal was rejected, the U.S. invaded Puerto Rico, on 25 July 1898, as part of the Spanish–American War. After the Americans prevailed in the conflict, the Spanish ceded Puerto Rico, in 1899, thus marking the outset of the long-standing relationship between the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

By the late 1940s, the Old Town of San Juan had fallen into disrepair. To preserve its historic fortifications, the National Historic Site was established, in 1949. Among the key local landmarks are Plaza Colon (Columbus Square), Paseo de la Princesa (Promenade of the Princess), the San Juan Gate and City Walls, Plaza de Armas (Arms Square), and, of course, the historic San Juan City Hall, the Cathedral of San Juan Bautista, and others.

To explore Old San Juan in more detail and soak in its historical atmosphere, take this self-guided walking tour. You may feel yourself traveling back in time, if only for an hour or so.