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San Juan Cathedral (Catedral de San Juan)

153 Calle Cristo | Old San Juan, San Juan 00902, Puerto Rico
787-722-0861
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As featured in 3 days in San Juan
Ranked #11 of 91 attractions in San Juan
Type: Religious Sites, Architectural Buildings, Historic Sites, Museums
Fee: No
Recommended length of visit: <1 hour
Owner description: Built in 1540 and the site where the body of Ponce de Leon is entombed, the the Catedral de San Juan is an authentic and rare New World example of... more » Owner description: Built in 1540 and the site where the body of Ponce de Leon is entombed, the the Catedral de San Juan is an authentic and rare New World example of medieval architecture. « less
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276 reviews from our community

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Escanaba, Michigan
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 June 2013 NEW

This is where the Pounce is buried, but when you walk inside you travel back 300 plus years into a beautiful old world church

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Boston, Massachusetts
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
12 attraction reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 June 2013

Gorgeous church! Must go inside and reflect/pray while in Old San Juan. I did not attend mass, but we spent about 15 minutes in there and seeing the beautiful relics were very interesting.

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See 2 more reviews by TexanInBeantown for San Juan
Edmonton, AB
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 June 2013

A short walk from El Murro, the cathedral is very old and in need of dire repair. Restorations are being performed but a lot work is still needed. Donations are welcomed if you so desire. Seeing the altar dating back hundreds of years is great. As well as the tomb of Ponce De Leon and the mummy of St. Pio.... More

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See 4 more reviews by vacationfreks for San Juan
Cincinnati, Ohio
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 June 2013

We attended mass on Sunday morning before getting on a cruise. This historic church isn't in the best condition, but that's to be expected given that most of it is open air. It was surprising that the mass did not have music, just singing. Overall it was a good cultural experience, but not as beautiful or enjoyable as I had... More

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See 3 more reviews by AndreaM924 for San Juan
Monterey, California
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 June 2013

Wonderful church. So different then the church we attend. Was really lovely to see all the statues and woodwork.

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See 3 more reviews by Merrylife for San Juan
puerto rico
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 June 2013

Puerto Rico is historically a catholic populace, and this cathedral is part of that heritage. If you are a catholic, or just spiritual, this is worth a visit.

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See 12 more reviews by zipperleishorrible for San Juan
San Juan
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 June 2013

How could a 18th Century cathedral be literally surrounded by a parking? It takes away all charm to the cathedral. This parking is operated by a private company that rents the space to the Catholic Church. Below the parking is an old cemetery. The parking should be a garden for meditation, an outdoor continuation of the indoor. If the Church... More

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See 4 more reviews by JaimeSanJuan for San Juan
Miramar, Florida, United States
Top Contributor
54 reviews 54 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 21 cities Reviews in 21 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 May 2013

I spent a little meditation time here, since it was across the street from my hotel. I am not catholic, but that doesn't matter. If you happen upon this street, please stop by here and leave a financial donation. They're really trying to restore and maintain this historic site.

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See 6 more reviews by Jacquelyn W for San Juan
Australia
Top Contributor
425 reviews 425 reviews
242 attraction reviews
Reviews in 136 cities Reviews in 136 cities
314 helpful votes 314 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 May 2013

This is the second oldest Cathedral in the Americas and for a variety of reasons has been rebuilt and remodelled a few times - originally dating from 1521. Located at Calle del Cristo opposite the gorgeous El Convento Hotel, entry is free (or donation) and open to visitors’ 8:30am to 4pm daily (Sun – 2pm). A small shop sells religious... More

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See 12 more reviews by Globebugs for San Juan
Burnaby
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 May 2013

We went to mass here after reading about the cathedral. What an experience in hearing mass in Spanish, with the Priest and a beautiful booming voice!!

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See 4 more reviews by mammatVancouver for San Juan

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