San Juan National Historic Site is a stunning example of 500 years of history come to life. It was first settled by Juan Ponce de Leon in 1508, and for centuries, various countries fought for control of this tiny, yet strategic, Caribbean island. The fort has 20-foot-thick walls that were built to repel privateers, and Spain spent over 250 years fortifying the position. The architecture and design are simply beautiful. Today, San Juan National Historic Site is a popular tourist destination, and visitors can explore the fascinating history of this unique place.

San Juan

The architecture is so stunning you might forget that this was a fort, fought over for generations. 

Puerto Rico's Fort Gem

Host Rex Carnegie interviews current and former national park rangers and other park experts to discover insights, get advice and hear amazing stories from our treasured natural and historic spaces.

San Juan

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Puerto Rico's Fort Gem

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