Located in the heart of Old San Juan, the current San Juan Cathedral (Cathedral de San Juan Bautista) is an architectural treasure dating back to the 1540’s. In fact the original structure \that was destroyed by a hurricane was built some 20 years earlier in the 1520’s.
The current San Juan Cathedral was originally designed in the Late Gothic Style, which can be seen in the vaulted tower, some of the ceilings and a circular staircase.Today the majority of the cathedral owes its roots to the Neoclassical Style from the 19th Century.
Step inside and marvel at the central dome, the stained glass windows, the frescoes (albeit weathered with time) located throughout the cathedral.
The San Juan Cathedral is also the last resting place of Juan Ponce de Leon. His remains lie in the marble tomb created by Spanish sculptor Miguel Blay. The remains of Juan Ponce de Leon have been in the cathedral since the early 1900’s.
Another interesting, if not strange relic in the cathedral is the glass cabinet containing the waxed mummified remains of Saint Pius (San Pio), who was a first century Christian martyr.
The San Juan Cathedral is located on Calle Cristo opposite the El Convento Hotel, which is another architectural gem in the city.
The location is ideal if you are touring the city as it is also close to the San Juan Gate, Paseo de la Princesa and Paseo del Morro.
San Juan Cathedral (Cathedral de San Juan Bautista)
Location: Calle Cristo Street (close to the El Convento Hotel)
GPS:18.465624, -66.118054
Open: Mon – Sat 8am – 4pm, Sun 8am – 2pm)
Masses: Sat 7 pm, Sun 9am and 11 am, Weekdays 7:25am and 12:15 pm.
More Info: 787-722-0861
