Historic Churches & Cemeteries

Capilla El Cristo (Cristo Chapel)
La Capilla del Cristo was build in the 16th century (1753). Open only on Tuesdays from 10:00am to 3:30pm.





Catedral de San Juan Bautista (Saint John the Baptist Cathedral)
San Juan Cathedral was built in 1521 by the Spanish colony's first bishop, Alonso Manso. The original church on these grounds had wooden walls and a thatched roof. The thatched wooden church was blown away by a hurricane in 1526 (October 4th). A new temple, built from stone dragged by horse from inland quarries, was completed in 1529, looted in 1598, and damaged by another hurricane in 1615. The Cathedral as seen today is the result of work done in 1917, when major restorations were performed. This Cathedral is an authentic and rare New World example of medieval architecture, considered one of the most impressive religious monuments in Puerto Rico. Since 1913, the Cathedral, which features Doric columns and elliptical vaults, contains the marble tomb of the island's first governor Juan Ponce de Leon and the relic of San Pio, a Roman martyr. San Juan Cathedral still holds religious services on a regular schedule. It is also open for tours daily from 8:30am to 4pm.


Address: Cristo St., San Juan
(787) 722-0861
(787) 722-1709



Iglesia de San Germán de Auxerre


(787) 892-1027



Iglesia San José (Church of Saint Joseph)
The Church of Saint Joseph built in 1532 by Dominican friars to serve as the monastery's church, is the second oldest in the Western Hemisphere and is an excellent example of 16th century Spanish Gothic architecture. Originally named Saint Thomas Aquinas Church, later re-dedicated to Saint Joseph when the Jesuits took over both the Convent of the Dominican Order and the church in 1865. Ponce de León, was buried here for 300 years until his body was moved to the Saint John the Baptist Cathedral Cathedral in 1913. Puerto Rican painter Jose Campeche, who contributed a great deal to the beautiful churches of his island, is buried here. Mon-Wed, Fri 8am-3pm. Cristo Street, on the San Jose Plaza, Old San Juan.


(787) 725-7501.



Parroquia San Fernando Rey
Built in 1752, the church was catalogued as a National Historical Monument by the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture.


(787) 870-1240, (787) 870-1220
Fax (787) 870-1570



Porta Coeli
The oldest church in the USA to remain intact, and one of only a few buildings in the New World constructed in Gothic architectural style, this landmark museum is chock full of religious artifacts and art - wooden statues, paintings, ornaments and liturgical objects. Open Tue-Sun 9:00am-noon 1:00pm-4:00pm


Address: Dr. Veve St., San German
(787) 892-5845



San Francisco de Asís Church
Considered one of the most beautiful religious structures in Puerto Rico. It's construction began in 1924 and it was completed in 1936. The present building was built in the same place as the old church, which dated back to the 1800s and was destroyed during the earthquake of October 11, of 1918. Visiting hours Mon-Fri 6:30am-11am. Mass held daily.


(787) 868-2630



San Patricio Church
San Patricio Church (begun in 1645) is the oldest on the island still active as a parish church.





Iglesia San José
Built in 1887, this beautiful church is a fine example of Gothic architecture. Open Mon-Wed & Fri 8:30am-noon 1pm-3:30pm, Thu 8:30am-noon, Sat 9am-noon.


(787) 735-3741



Parroquia San Antonio Abad
Founded in 1728, the original church was replaced by the current structure in 1801. This new church has a beautiful 8-foot stained glass window above the front door. The bell tower includes 800 and 500-pound bells along with a number of smaller bells from the original church.


Address: Barcelo St., Anasco 00610
(787) 826-2215
Fax (787) 826-2494