The original structure on this site was a wooden house built in 1521 as a home for Ponce de León; he died in Cuba without ever having lived here. His descendants occupied its sturdier replacement, a lovely colonial mansion with tile floors and beam ceilings, for the next 250 years. From the end of the Spanish-American War in 1898 to 1966 it was the home of the U.S. Army commander in Puerto Rico. Several rooms decorated with colonial-era furnishings are open to the public. A guide will show you around, and then you can explore on your own. Don't miss the stairway leading down from one of the bedrooms; alas, despite local lore it leads to a small room and not to a tunnel to nearby El Morro. The lush garden, recently reopened to the public, is a quiet place to unwind.
Is Puerto Rico the right place for your winter escape? Let the Fodor's Travel Planner recommend the ideal vacation for you.
Visit the Travel Talk forums for help on planning your trip