San Juan National Historic Site facts for kids
The San Juan National Historic Site (which in Spanish is called Sitio Histórico Nacional de San Juan) is a special place in Old San Juan. It's managed by the National Park Service and helps protect amazing old forts, strong walls, and other historic buildings from the time when Puerto Rico was a Spanish colony.
Quick facts for kids San Juan National Historic Site |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
 San Juan National Historic Site
Location in Puerto Rico
|
|
| Location | San Juan, Puerto Rico |
| Area | 75.13 acres (30.40 ha) 53.20 acres (21.53 ha) federal |
| Established | February 14, 1949 |
| Visitors | 1,054,492 (in 2005) |
| Governing body | National Park Service |
| Website | San Juan National Historic Site |
| Criteria: | Cultural: (vi) |
| Designated: | 1983 (7th session) |
| Part of: | La Fortaleza and San Juan National Historic Site in Puerto Rico |
| Reference #: | 266bis-001 |
| Extensions: | 2016 |
| Designated: | October 15, 1966 |
| Reference #: | 66000930 |
Contents
Why is San Juan Historic Site Important?
This historic site was created on February 14, 1949. The main reason was to protect these old forts and buildings. They are important monuments that show a lot about history and how people built things long ago.
A World Heritage Site
On December 6, 1983, something very special happened. The San Juan National Historic Site, along with another historic building called La Fortaleza, became a World Heritage Site. This means they are considered so important that they have "outstanding, universal cultural value" for everyone in the world.
Only a few national park areas in the United States have this special title. It shows how much history and culture these places hold!
What Can You See at the Site?
The San Juan National Historic Site includes several amazing historical places. When you visit, you can explore:
- Castillo San Cristóbal: This is a huge fort that helped protect the city from attacks by land.
- Castillo San Felipe del Morro: Often just called El Morro, this famous fort guarded the entrance to the bay.
- City Wall of Old San Juan: A large part of the old city wall is still standing. It once surrounded and protected the entire city.
- Fortín San Juan de la Cruz (El Cañuelo): This smaller fort was also important for defending the bay.
Images for kids
-
San Juan National Historic Site sign at Castillo San Cristóbal
-
Main offices of the San Juan National Historic Site
.JPG)
See also
In Spanish: Sitio histórico nacional de San Juan para niños
