La Fortaleza

Lonely Planet review

A steep climb along Recinto Oeste takes you to the top of the city wall and the guarded iron gates of La Fortaleza . Also known as El Palacio de Santa Catalina, this imposing building is the oldest executive mansion in continuous use in the western hemisphere, dating from 1533. Once the original fortress for the young colony, La Fortaleza eventually yielded its military pre-eminence to the city's newer and larger forts, and was remodeled and expanded to domicile island governors for more than three centuries.

You can join a guided tour that includes the mansion's Moorish gardens, the dungeon and the chapel. Free guided tours generally run on weekdays except holidays; tours in English leave on the hour, in Spanish on the half hour. Call in advance to make sure the grounds are not closed for a government function.Puerto Rico's governors have lived here in succession for more than three centuries. If you are dressed in respectful attire, you can join a 40-minute guided tour that includes the mansion's Moorish gardens, the dungeon and the chapel.

Tours generally run on weekdays except holidays; tours in English leave on the hour, in Spanish on the half hour. It's a good idea to call in advance to make sure the grounds are not closed for a government function. If you stop by La Fortaleza on a Friday or Saturday evening, you might catch the governor throwing a garden party to the rhythms of the best salsa bands on the island.