Porta Coeli, San Germán
Porta Coeli
A landmark of San Germán, Puerto Rico’s second-oldest town: a white 17th-century monastery church on a hillside, one of the oldest churches in the Americas.
San Germán was founded in the 16th century, and its old town still has many colorful buildings from the colonial period and the 19th century. The Porta Coeli convent church was built around 1609 and is one of the oldest surviving church buildings in the Americas. Its white walls, red doors, and grand front steps make it instantly recognizable. Today it is a museum of religious art, displaying icons and ancient carvings. It is usually closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and admission is a small fee. You can also see the main church of San Germán around the plaza nearby. It is about 15 km from Cabo Rojo town, a 20-minute drive.
Opening hours
Museum approx. Wed–Sun 08:30–16:30
Nearby sights
- La Parguera Cays & Mangroves
- Joyuda Seafood Strip
- Boquerón
- Buyé Beach
- Guánica Dry Forest
- Cabo Rojo Salt Flats
- Combate Beach
- Cabo Rojo Lighthouse & Playa Sucia