La Fortaleza facts for kids
Quick facts for kids La Fortaleza |
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Palacio de Santa Catalina
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   Front and back view of La Fortaleza within the Walls of Old San Juan and above Paseo de la Princesa
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| General information | |
| Type | Medieval fortification, Castle, Palace, Mansion |
| Architectural style | Fortification, Spanish Renaissance, Neoclassical |
| Location | Old San Juan, San Juan, Puerto Rico |
| Address | 63 Calle Fortaleza, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00901 |
| Coordinates | 18°27′51″N 66°7′9″W / 18.46417°N 66.11917°W |
| Construction started | 1533 |
| Completed | 1540 |
| Known for | Battle of San Juan (1595) Battle of San Juan (1598) Battle of San Juan (1625) Battle of San Juan (1797) Bombardment of San Juan (1898) |
| Type: | Cultural |
| Criteria: | vi |
| Designated: | 1983 (7th session) |
| Part of: | La Fortaleza and San Juan National Historic Site in Puerto Rico |
| Reference #: | 266 |
| Region: | The Americas |
| Official name: La Fortaleza | |
| Designated: | October 9, 1960 |
| Reference #: | 66000951 |
| Official name: La Fortaleza | |
| Designated: | October 15, 1966 |
La Fortaleza, which means "The Fortress" in English, is also known as the Palacio de Santa Catalina (Saint Catherine's Palace). It has been the official home of the governor of Puerto Rico since the 1500s. This makes it the oldest executive mansion in the New World that is still in use today.
The Spanish built La Fortaleza between 1533 and 1540. It was the first fortification they constructed on San Juan Islet. Its main purpose was to defend San Juan Bay, the harbor of Old San Juan. La Fortaleza, along with other forts like El Morro and San Cristóbal, protected Puerto Rico. This island was very important for its location, often called "The Key to the Indies." These forts helped protect Puerto Rico from attacks by other countries and from privateers and pirates.
In 1983, UNESCO named La Fortaleza a World Heritage Site. It is part of the La Fortaleza and San Juan National Historic Site.
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The Fortress Building
La Fortaleza was the very first defensive building in the historic city of Old San Juan. This city was originally called Ciudad de Puerto Rico, meaning "rich port city." It was the first of many military structures built to protect the city. Other important forts included the Castillo San Felipe del Morro and the Fort San Cristóbal.
The construction of La Fortaleza was approved by Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor. He wanted to protect the city from attacks by the Island Caribs and other European powers.
Original Design and Towers
At first, the building had four walls around a central courtyard. It also had a round tower called the Homage Tower. From the top of this tower, the governor would promise loyalty to the King and Queen of Spain. Later, a second tower, called the Austral Tower, was added.
During a rebuilding project in the 1640s, a chapel was added to the fortress. This chapel was named after Santa Catalina Alejandría. It used to stand outside the fort's walls. This is why the building is also known as Palacio de Santa Catalina (Saint Catherine's Palace).
Modern Features
Today, the complex has several connected buildings. The formal living areas are on the second floor, and private rooms are on the third. The building looks out over the tall city walls that face San Juan Bay. Inside the northern part of the property, there are peaceful gardens and a swimming pool.
History of La Fortaleza
In 1529, Governor La Gama asked the emperor to build defenses. He said that people were leaving the island because it was not safe. Construction began in 1533, using stone, and finished by 1540.
Even though it was built as a fort, some people thought its location was not ideal for defense. However, it has served as the governor's home since 1544. This makes it the oldest executive mansion in the Americas that has been used continuously. In 1846, the Spanish authorities changed the mansion. They updated it from a military fort to a place for government work.
Captured by Other Powers
La Fortaleza has been captured three times by foreign forces:
- In 1598, George Clifford, the Earl of Cumberland, attacked San Juan and took the fort.
- In 1625, General Boudewijn Hendricksz from the Netherlands invaded the city. He took over La Fortaleza. When the Dutch left, they set the fortress and the city on fire.
- In 1898, the U.S. Navy invaded and took control of Puerto Rico. They set up a temporary government.
A Famous Story
According to a popular story, in 1898, the last Spanish governor of Puerto Rico, Ricardo de Ortega y Diez, was at La Fortaleza. Just before the United States invaded during the Spanish–American War, he struck a tall clock with his sword. He stopped the clock at the exact moment Spain lost control of Puerto Rico.
Later Events
On October 30, 1950, a group of nationalists tried to enter La Fortaleza. They wanted to attack the governor at the time, Luis Muñoz Marín. There was a short shootout, and four nationalists died. Three guards were also seriously hurt.
On October 9, 1960, La Fortaleza was named a National Historic Landmark by the United States. Later, in 1983, it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, along with the San Juan National Historic Site.
Interesting Facts About La Fortaleza
- La Fortaleza has two towers: the Austral Tower and the Homage Tower. These towers show that it was first built as a military structure.
- The Homage Tower contains the Santa Catalina Chapel. Inside, there is a colorful mosaic made of 95,000 pieces. It honors the Holy Trinity.
- In 1956, workers found what might have been the old kitchen of La Fortaleza. It was discovered in the Austral Tower when a covered area was opened.
- The paintings displayed at La Fortaleza are borrowed from the Institute of Puerto Rican Historical Culture. They are changed based on what the current governor likes.
- Originally, La Fortaleza was painted salmon red. This was a common color for military buildings in Puerto Rico during the Spanish colonial period. Its wooden doors were green, and its columns were white with gold details.
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- Several U.S. Presidents have visited La Fortaleza. These include Herbert Hoover (1931), Harry S. Truman (1948), John F. Kennedy (1961), Barack Obama (2011), and Bill Clinton (2013).
- La Fortaleza has been home to 156 governors. This includes 124 under Spanish rule, 19 under U.S. rule, and 13 Puerto Ricans.
- Three flags fly over La Fortaleza: the Puerto Rican flag, the American flag, and the Governor's white flag. If the white flag is not flying, it means the governor is not at the palace.
- The Hundido Garden was renamed Doña Inés Garden. This was done to honor Doña Inés Mendoza, who was the wife of former governor Luis Muñoz Marín. It was her favorite place at La Fortaleza, where she lived for 16 years.
In Books
In 2011, Puerto Rican author Giannina Braschi wrote a dramatic novel called United States of Banana. This book includes exciting scenes of a revolution that take place at La Fortaleza.
Gallery
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La Fortaleza on July 4, 1899
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Back view of La Fortaleza
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Gardens at La Fortaleza
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Front view of La Fortaleza
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Aerial back view of La Fortaleza
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Reception of the U.S. President Herbert Hoover to La Fortaleza in 1931
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Original "Throne Room", currently Governor's Office, La Fortaleza in 1933. Photo by Jack E. Boucher. Historic American Buildings Survey.
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La Fortaleza in 1933. Photo by Jack E. Boucher. Historic American Buildings Survey.
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See also
In Spanish: La Fortaleza (Puerto Rico) para niños
