La Fortaleza
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TCOMGUY
N 18° 27.866 W 066° 07.103
19Q E 804350 N 2043995
La Fortaleza or Palace of St. Catalina. Part of the Fortaleza and San Juan Heritage Site.
Waymark Code: WMCCB
Location: Puerto Rico
Date Posted: 05/11/2006
Views: 95
La Fortaleza (also known as the Palacio de Santa Catalina began construction in 1533 and finalized the 25 of May of 1540, as a fortress. It was authorized to be built by Charles V as a defense against Carib Indian attacks. The building was the first of a series of military facilities constructed in the Bay of San Juan, but soon later proved inadequate to guard the entrance to the harbor, and became the official Governor's Residence. The oldest governor's mansion still used as such in Western Hemisphere and part of the old city's World Heritage Site. It has been occupied twice by invaders; by the Earl of Cumberland in 1598 and by the Dutch General Bowdoin Hendrick in 1625 when the building was damaged by fire. A major reconstruction was undertaken in 1640. In 1846, the building was remodeled and given a palatial aspect, uniting harmoniously 16th century military architecture with the refinements of the 19th century. It has been the home of 170 governors of Puerto Rico and is the official residence of the current governor. Although the original structure (Palatial Building surrounded by gardens) was very primitive, La Fortaleza has undergone numerous changes over its 300 years of history. Free tours are available daily. Open Mon-Fri 9:00am-4:00pm; guided tours in English on the hour, in Spanish every 30 minutes, (787) 721-7000 ext. 2358. Tours last about 40 minutes. Access to the official areas is not permitted.
This heritage site also includes Fort El Morro: N 18° 28.105 W 066° 07.271 and Fort San Cristobal N 18° 28.060 W 066° 06.722.
Type: Site
Reference number: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/266
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