Ponce – Puerto Rico
Ponce is Puerto Rico's second-largest city, located on the south coast with a population of just under 200,000. It is nicknamed La Perla del Sur (the Pearl of the South) or La Ciudad de los Leones (the City of Lions).
In Ponce, you sometimes feel like you've been transported 200 years back in time. At the heart of the city stand between 600 and 1,000 historic colonial buildings, restored at a cost of nearly half a billion dollars. The city has been declared a national treasure.
Sights in Ponce
The top attractions in Ponce include the famous Catedral de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe church and the Parque de Bombas right in the city center. The entire downtown feels like an open-air museum – so set aside plenty of time to soak up the unique atmosphere.
The old town of Ponce is a historic district in southern Puerto Rico, often referred to as the cultural heart of the city. The streets are lined with old colonial buildings that were once home to wealthy merchants and nobility.
One of the most famous landmarks in the old town is the Cathedral of Ponce, originally built in the 17th century and later expanded in the neoclassical style. The cathedral is known for its intricate woodcarvings and impressive dome.
Another highlight is the Ponce Museum of Art, which houses an impressive collection of works from various periods and regions. The museum is set in an elegant neoclassical building with a remarkable sculpture gallery.
There are also many small parks and plazas in the old town that invite you to linger and relax. One of the best known is the Plaza Las Delicias, surrounded by beautiful buildings and a magnificent fountain.
All in all, the old town of Ponce is a wonderful place full of history and culture – definitely worth a visit if you're interested in Puerto Rico's colonial heritage or simply enjoy a scenic stroll through historic streets and buildings.
Probably the most iconic building in Ponce is the Parque de Bombas – a colorful old fire station originally built in 1882 for an agricultural fair. It is now a museum.
The Parque de Bombas stands directly behind the Spanish-Creole Catedral de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, built in the 17th century. The cathedral once tried to have the colorful building relocated – but public resistance put a stop to that.
La Paguera – Phosphorescent Bay, Puerto Rico
La Paguera was once a small fishing village and is now a charming seaside resort. The beach isn't particularly striking, but you can swim here. The Cabo Rojo Lighthouse offers a wonderful panoramic view over the coastline.
From the local harbor, boats depart for the famous Phosphorescent Bay.
The lagoon reaches deep into the mangrove swamps. Tiny bioluminescent organisms live here and begin to glow when disturbed. It sounds spectacular, but you do have to look closely to see anything. Apparently it's even more impressive on the island of Vieques...
