La Fortaleza (The Fortress)
Ways to visit La Fortaleza (The Fortress)
La Fortaleza was built between 1533 and 1540, and it’s an impressive sight to behold from the approach through Calle Fortaleza, a narrow street. The historic structure is the oldest executive mansion in the Western Hemisphere, and one can still see stone fortifications erected by the Spanish.
Although travelers aren't permitted roam the governor’s mansion at will, guided walking tours (held on weekdays) cover the lush gardens and will venture inside the building when the government is not in session. Walking tours or Segway tours of Old San Juan often make stops at the governor's residence, as well as other important Old San Juan sites and government buildings in the San Juan National Historic Site.
Things to know before you go to La Fortaleza (The Fortress)
Since La Fortaleza is a functioning government building, it’s subject to closures without warning; additionally, interior tours aren’t available while government is in session.
The gardens surrounding the palace are a great place for kids to burn off some energy.
Like many buildings constructed centuries ago, La Fortaleza is not fully handicap accessible.
How to get to La Fortaleza (The Fortress)
La Fortaleza, located in the heart of Old San Juan, is walkable from most other destinations in downtown. Several local bus lines stop at the Terminal Covadonga San Juan, which is an easy walk to La Fortaleza.
Trip ideas
When to visit La Fortaleza (The Fortress)
The Palacio de Santa Catalina is open from 9am to 4pm on weekdays for guided tours. Puerto Rico has a mild climate year around; hurricane season runs from June through November. The weather in April through June is considered the best—it’s warm but not too hot or rainy.
The San Juan National Historic Site
La Fortaleza is part of the San Juan National Historic Site, which includes other landmarks such as the San Juan Gate, the Castillo de San Cristobal, the city walls (La Muralla), and the Paseo del Morro. All of these sites are situated within easy walking distance of the governor’s mansion.
- Paseo de la Princesa
- Chapel of Christ (Capilla del Cristo)
- San Juan Cathedral (Catedral de San Juan Bautista)
- Castillo San Cristobal
- Old San Juan
- Museum of the Americas (Museo de las Américas)
- San Juan National Historic Site (Sitio Histórico Nacional de San Juan)
- Old San Juan Piers
- Castillo San Felipe del Morro
- Bacardi Rum Factory (Casa Bacardi)
- Fine Arts Miramar
- Luis A. Ferré Performing Arts Center (Centro de Bellas Artes Luis A. Ferré)
- San Juan Bay
- Museum of Art of Puerto Rico (Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico)
- La Calle Loiza