San Juan National Historic Site

A series of fortifications built to defend San Jose and the Bay of San Jose, along with the La Fortaleza, the park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

These fortifications were built between the 15th and 19th century, and are perhaps the most important feature of Puerto Rico's history. It became a protected park in 1949, and a World Heritage Site in 1983, 1 of only 12 in the United States. These defence structures display a great degree of versatility shown to adapt the strong character of the European military defence structures in accordance with the specific nature of the Caribbean coasts, and how these techniques developed over the centuries. La Fortaleza in particular, has served several purposes throughout it's history, and today is the residence of the Governor of Puerto Rico. Castillo San Felipe del Morro, Castillo de San Cristobal - two forts that you should definitely check out, the city wall, and several other bastions all come together to complete this impressive structure. The La Fortaleza and San Juan National Historic Site together provide a fantastic insight into the historic colonial period of Puerto Rico, and are brilliant examples of European defence architecture in the Caribbean region.