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Catedral de San Juan Bautista Review

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Catedral de San Juan Bautista

Fodor's Review:

The Catholic shrine of Puerto Rico had humble beginnings in the early 1520s as a thatch-roof, wooden structure. Hurricane winds tore off the thatch and destroyed the church. It was reconstructed in 1540, when it was given a graceful circular staircase and vaulted Gothic ceilings. Most of the work on the present cathedral, however, was done in the 19th century. The remains of Ponce de León are in a marble tomb near the transept. The trompe-l'oeil work on the inside of the dome is breathtaking. Unfortunately, many of the other frescoes suffer from water damage.

  • Cost: $1 donation suggested
  • Open: Mon.-Sat. 8-5, Sun. 8-2:30
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