Parroquia del Espíritu Santo y San Patricio

San Juan


At the northern end of Plaza de Loíza, this neoclassic church stands proudly above the surrounding modest modern buildings. It dates from 1645 and takes its name from the patron saint of Ireland to honor Puerto Rico’s famous Irish mercenaries, who designed many of Old San Juan's fortifications. It is one of the oldest churches on the island.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby San Juan attractions

1. Centro Cultural Loíza

0.04 MILES

Loíza's Cultural Center has several displays of masks and costumes worn during the town's popular Fiestas de Santiago Apostól. Glass cases also contain a…

2. Museo del Niño de Carolina

5.89 MILES

Kids love this sprawling hands-on museum in suburban San Juan. Interactive and fun displays focus on volcanoes, electricity and music, while dress-up…

4. Balneario de Carolina

8.11 MILES

Wedged in between the high-rise hotel strip of Isla Verde and the rustic delights of Piñones, Balneario de Carolina is a fine, clean beach that's…

5. Playa Isla Verde

9.54 MILES

With countless tanned bodies lounging or flexing their biceps around the volleyball net, this urban beach basks in its reputation as the Copacabana of…

6. Playa Luquillo

10.41 MILES

Along with its must-visit kioskos, Luquillo is synonymous with its fabulous – and hugely popular – beach. Set on a calm, northwest-facing bay and…

7. La Coca Falls

10.54 MILES

The first spectacular natural feature you see as Hwy 191 climbs south toward the forest peaks is an 85ft cascade as the stream tumbles from a precipice to…

8. Baño Grande & Baño de Oro

10.96 MILES

Baño Grande, a former swimming hole built during the Depression by the Civilian Conservation Corps, lies across Hwy 191 from the Palo Colorado Information…