Cathedral of San Juan Bautista
Catedral de San Juan Bautista
The second-oldest cathedral in the Americas, begun in 1521, and the final resting place of the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León.
San Juan Cathedral stands on Calle Cristo in Old San Juan. The first church on this site, built of wood in 1521, was destroyed by a hurricane and rebuilt in stone. The main structure you see today dates largely to the 19th century. Inside, the marble tomb of Juan Ponce de León, Puerto Rico's first governor and an explorer, lies alongside the relics of Saint Pío and stained-glass windows. Admission is free, though donations are welcome. Please keep quiet during Mass. Across the square is El Convento, the oldest hotel in Old San Juan.
Opening hours
About 08:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Plaza de Armas
- Parque de las Palomas
- Puerta de San Juan
- Church of San José
- La Fortaleza & Calle Fortaleza
- Museo de San Juan
- Paseo de la Princesa
- Casa Blanca Museum