Fuente Raíces

San Juan


At the waterfront end of Paseo de la Princesa, this fountain was built to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Spain's 'discovery' of the New World. The fountain depicts bronze gods and goddesses of Taíno, European and African descent to represent the racial and ethnic roots of the Puerto Rican people. It's a popular spot to watch the sunset over the bay.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby San Juan attractions

1. Capilla del Cristo

0.04 MILES

Since 1780, tens of thousands of penitents have come to pray for miracles at the Capilla del Cristo, the tiny sanctuary at the end of a pedestrian street…

2. Parque de las Palomas

0.05 MILES

On the southern end of Calle del Cristo, the pigeon-filled Parque de las Palomas is in a tree-shaded cobblestone courtyard on the top of the city wall,…

3. La Princesa

0.06 MILES

Built against the outside wall of the city, this long, gray and white building, once a jail, now houses the headquarters of the Puerto Rico Tourism…

4. La Fortaleza

0.07 MILES

Guarded iron gates mark the imposing La Fortaleza. Dating from 1533, it's the oldest executive mansion in continuous use in the western hemisphere. The…

5. Palacio Rojo

0.07 MILES

A two-story Baroque building dating from 1792, Palacio Rojo once served as the living quarters for Spanish commanding officers. Today it houses…

6. La Casa del Libro

0.09 MILES

Bibliophiles will enjoy this tiny but worthwhile collection of more than 5000 manuscripts and texts that date back 2000 years. The collection includes one…

7. Puerta de San Juan

0.13 MILES

One of the three remaining gates into the old city, the lofty red portal known as the Puerta de San Juan is a popular photo stop. Spanish ships once…

8. Casa Museo Felisa Rincón de Gautier

0.14 MILES

This museum, an attractive neoclassical townhouse, was the longtime home of San Juan’s beloved mayor, Doña Felisa. She presided over the growth of the…