La Fortaleza

  • English: The Fortress

  • Address: Calle Fortaleza
  • Vicinity: San Juan Island between San Juan Bay and Calle Recinto Oeste
  • District of Old San Juan in San Juan
  • Travel Genus: Sight
  • Sight Category: Building

La Fortaleza was the first fortification built in San Juan harbor. Constructed between 1533 and 1540, the original fort consisted of a circular tower and four massive stone walls. The Spanish military constructed a second tower, called the Austral, at the end of the 16th century. Although established to defend against Carib Indian raids, invaders only took the fortress twice in its history: first, by the English in 1598, and then by the Dutch in 1625. After an unsuccessful siege of the San Felipe del Morro fort the Dutch burned the city, including the fort, in 1625. From 1640 onward it was customary for the island's Governor to reside there. In 1846, La Fortaleza was enlarged and its street facade altered. The original tower, now called Torre del Homenaje, or "tower of homage," still stands; its name derives from an island tradition in which the resident governor climbs to the top of the tower to pledge a solemn oath of loyalty and courage during dangerous times. Today, the building, at one time designated the Spanish Captain-General of Puerto Rico's official residence, serves as the official residence and offices of Puerto Rico's Governor. - NPS


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La Fortaleza
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Timeline

Y/M/D Person Association Description Composition Food Event
Y/M/D Person Association Description Composition Food Event
1533/00/00
1649/00/00
1846/00/00

Data »

Particulars for La Fortaleza:
Sight Category Building
Structure Type Fortification
Criteria Historic Event
Historic Use Institutional housing
Area of Significance Military
Level of Significance National
Architectural Style Neoclassical
Area of Significance Politics-government
Other Description Spanish
Owner State



US National Registry of Historic Places Data »

Accurate at time of registration:

PLACE DETAILS
Registry Name:
Registry Address:
Registry Number: 66000951
Resource Type:
Owner: State
Architect: unknown
Architectural Style: Classical revival, Other
Attribute: Spanish
Other Certification: Designated National Landmark, National Landmark boundary approved
Nominator Name: National Historic Landmark
CULTURAL DETAILS
Level of Significance: National
Area of Significance: Military, Politics-government
Applicable Criteria: Event
Period of Significance: 1650-1699, 1600-1649, 1500-1599, 1700-1749, 1750-1799, 1800-1824, 1825-1849
Significant Year: 1533, c 1649, 1846
Historic Function: Domestic, Government, Defense
Historic Sub-Function: Fortification, Institutional housing
Current Function: Government
Current Sub-Function: Government office

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