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15 Lesser-Known Facts About the City of San Juan

When was the last time you enjoyed a sip of Pi帽a Colada? Hold your thoughts. How about the Despacito song, was it a win for you? Let’s reason together, San Juan is famed for colorful colonial facades, mighty fortifications and you name it. No doubt that is grand but the lesser known truths of the City of San Juan make it a hidden treasure.

What鈥檚 more, Pi帽a Colada was birthed in San Juan. It was in La Perla (The Pearl) where the Puerto Rican singers Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee shot the viral Despacito song.

Better still, the city of San Juan has unique landmarks like the wildlife and pharmaceutical museums. And with the free trolley system serving Old San Juan, catch more little-known realities about this Puerto Rican capital.

Here are the 15 Lesser-Known Facts About the City of San Juan.

1. Pi帽a Colada traces its origins in San Juan

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San Juan holds the title of the birthplace of this sweet and creamy cocktail. The drink is made with rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice. Pi帽a Colada is credited as the brainchild of the Caribe Hilton Hotel.

Moreover, according to the hotel鈥檚 accounts, their once bartender Ram贸n “Monchito” Marrero is celebrated for pioneering the recipe in 1954. Since its introduction, the sweet mix became the hotel鈥檚 signature drink attracting many tourists from around the world.

Thus from Puerto Rico鈥檚 island city, San Juan the world celebrates the tropical drink Pi帽a Colada. The name originates from the Spanish language with Pi帽a translating to pineapple and colada to wash. Hence Colada in this context refers to the strained-out aspect of the drink as ingredients are blended into a smooth texture ensuring no chunky remnants.

Better yet, Puerto Rico made Pi帽a Colada its official drink in 1978 cementing this cocktail as the nation鈥檚 heartbeat in the food scene. Today the drink is appreciated worldwide in many variations including frozen and non-alcoholic versions of the same.

If you wish to sample some of the Puerto Rican dishes check them here.

2. San Juan hosts one of the widest streets worldwide

The Avenida Juan Ponce de Le贸n is one of the city鈥檚 significant thoroughfares. It was constructed in the late 19th century and it is named after the Spanish explorer, Juan Ponce de Le贸n. He was one of the earliest European settlers in Puerto Rico near today鈥檚 San Juan around 1508鈥�09.

Furthermore, this project aimed at modernizing the city鈥檚 infrastructure as well as accommodate the increasing population at the time. Thus the street is wide enough to include multiple lanes, spacious sidewalks, and enough central median.

This street served historical and cultural purposes in its early days. With increased European population in the area, meant the street was the host of grand processions, parades, and other events that paid homage to heritage.

Today the avenue is a thoroughfare that coextends as Puerto Rico Highway 25. It links different parts of the city of San Juan ensuring better accessibility and a smooth traffic flow.

3. The city prides itself in several historic forts

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San Juan鈥檚 fortifications form iconic architecture that adds to the historical and cultural heritage of the city. Castillo San Felipe del Morro is one of the prominent forts at the entrance of the San Juan Bay.

Dating back to the 16th century, this facility served as a defense territory against sea attacks. Hence the sturdy walls, tunnels, ramparts, and military barracks are evidence of the historic significance of the fort.

Additionally, Castillo San Crist贸bal is another fort that is a walking distance from El Morro. The 17th-century structure was built to protect the city from land attacks. This is showcased by the underground tunnels, military barracks, and outposts.

Another fort is the Fort铆n San Juan de la Cruz popular as El Ca帽uelo. At the entrance to the San Juan Bay, this fort was built in the 1630s. Its strategic location on a small islet ensured no enemy ships entered the city鈥檚 bay and no naval attacks reached the city. These forts offer historical relevance as well as stunning sea views.

4. San Juan鈥檚 blue cobblestones came from waste material

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A walk along many of the narrow streets in the Old San Juan city, reveals these distinctive blue cobblestones. They are known as adoquines and they were brought in by European ships around the 18th century.

Better still, they came in as ballast made from iron smelting waste. They were later embraced as paving material in the city and their blue color is due to the wear and exposure of the elements over time. The city has replaced some of the city pavements with modern pavers but the blue cobblestones still exist in some places.

5. The Mosquito Bay in San Juan is a wonder to behold

Nestled in the island of Vieques which is within San Juan, the Mosquito Bay is a natural spectacle. Tune in for some bit of science here, this bay has tiny organisms known as dinoflagellates. Got that? The specific species inhabiting this area is called Pyrodimium bahamense or simply 鈥渟wirling fire鈥�.

To add on, these organisms cause a phenomenon referred to as Bioluminescence. This occurrence in simple form means that it is natural light which is created by living organisms after the conversion of their internal chemical energy into light.

Subsequently, the combined light produced by each of these organisms leads to spectacular evening shows. This makes Mosquito Bay a bioluminescent or bio bay and one of the best in the category around the world.

There are more fun facts about Puerto Rico that you can discover here.

6. One of the oldest Cathedrals in the Americas sits here

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The Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista (San Juan Bautista) is the seat of the Archdiocese of Puerto Rico. This religious institution has deep rooted heritage dating to as early as 1521.

To boot, this facility is honored as one of the oldest churches in the Americas. Some historical records have it as the second oldest church on US soil after the Cathedral of Santa Mar铆a la Menor in Santo Domingo. The latter cathedral’s construction began in 1504 and the work was completed in 1550.

San Juan Bautista is a display of magnificent architecture influenced by the Spanish such as the stained glass windows. It also displays religious artifacts that carry along a rich heritage.

7. Juan built but never lived in La Casa Blanca

Within Old San Juan sits this historic colonial house cum museum, La Casa Blanca (The White House). It was constructed in 1521 to house Puerto Rico’s first governor Juan Ponce de Le贸n, alongside his family.

Juan Ponce is remembered as the pioneer Spanish governor of Puerto Rico. He is also respected as one of the early founders of the San Juan island community. He died on July 1521 while on an expedition and never moved into the house. Currently, it is a historic monument and has a sparse museum as well as an Andalusian-style garden.

8. Ra铆ces Fountain represents the roots of the San Juan people

This striking fountain in the middle of Old San Juan speaks of the origin or roots of the Puerto Rican people. It is known as Fuente Ra铆ces and it was put up in 1992. Raices means roots hence the bronze gods and goddesses sculpture reveals the original descents of the locals.

Further, this landmark highlights the diversity of its people. Thus acknowledging  Ta铆no, European, and African descents in the city and across the country.

9. Condado Beach is nice and yet dangerous

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Laguna del Condado (Condado Lagoon) is one of San Juan鈥檚 treats to a Caribbean beach experience. Its warm tropical scene, vibrant culinary heritage, and cultural activities make this beach a tourist destination.

Over and above that, you can spot Manatees as they peek their noses at the water’s surface occasionally. Beneath the waters are also coral reefs, different fish species, and even turtles.

Besides all these perfect conditions, this beach during some seasons scares people with its massive waves, strong underflow, and rip currents. Thus it is not safe for anyone to swim or bathe in the Condado neither adults nor children.

10. San Juan鈥檚 oldest theatre is still operational

Teatro Tapia is San Juan鈥檚 oldest freestanding performing arts theater. It was commissioned in 1832 and hosts performances to this day making it one of the oldest theaters of performing arts throughout the US jurisdiction.

What’s more, the historic landmark is in the southern part of Old San Juan. It earned its name in honor of the 19th-century playwright Alejandro Tapia y Rivera who was a son of Puerto Rico.

11. La Perla was the center stage for the Despacito song

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La Perla (The Pearl) earned its name because of the radiance that emanates from this coast. In the past, sailors associated this glow with the brightness produced by the pearls from the sea. In our age, the area is known for the many colorful buildings with artistic creations adorning their walls.

Better still, music lovers relate to this region as the stage for the 2017 viral tune Despacito by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee, who are both Puerto Rican singers.

Their choice for this location was because they wanted to show culture, sensuality, color, and dance in their music. La Perla being a historical neighborhood situated between city walls and the Atlantic Ocean, made the perfect fit for the song, as echoed by the composers.

12. San Juan also has a wildlife museum

The Museo de Vida Silvestre translated to mean the Wildlife Museum is one of San Juan鈥檚 unique treats. The institution was opened in 2010 and is home to over 200 species of different habitats.

13. Totem Square has a history of more than 500 years

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It is officially known as Plaza del Quinto Centenario (‘Square of the Fifth Centenary’) but popularly goes by the name Plaza del T贸tem (Totem Square). This Old San Juan modern square was opened in 1992.

Its inauguration was in commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the European discovery. Also intended to mark the conquest of Puerto Rico and the Americas by the Spaniards. It is a leading attraction in San Juan.

To delve deeper into history, learning Puerto Rican Traditions will be handy.

14. San Juan operates a free trolley system

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There is a free trolley system that operates within Old San Juan. This is helpful for people who want to have a glance at the entire area within a short period. It is a good starting point for your tour around San Juan. But be sure to check for details on operating hours before your visit as sometimes the system is not in service.

15. The city has a pharmaceutical museum

The Museo de la Farmacia (The Pharmacy Museum) is an exhibit of pharmaceutical objects that were used as early as the 16th to the 19th century. Many of the items present in the museum have been donated by what was once the Hospital of San Juan which is now a reputable pharmacy.

These little-known facts about the Puerto Rican capital, San Juan are eye-openers to the timeless allure and vibrant spirit of the city. Thus with the charm of colorful architecture and rich historical and cultural sites, San Juan stands high as a magnet for travelers.