Casco urbano
The historic center of a Puerto Rican town, always laid out the same way: the plaza in the middle, the church on one side, the town hall on the other and a grid of streets around them. Understanding that pattern lets you orient yourself in any of the 78 municipalities without a map. Several centers are restored and are the most photogenic part of town.
Example
Arriving in a new town with no plan, find the plaza. The old center is always organized around it.
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Related terms
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Plaza de recreo
The central square of every town, with trees, benches, the church facing it and the town hall alongside, working as...
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Viejo San Juan
The historic core of San Juan, founded in the sixteenth century on an islet and still partly ringed by its walls. It...
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Adoquín azul
A block of iron slag with a bluish sheen that has paved the streets of Old San Juan since the late nineteenth...
Festivals
Fiestas patronales
The yearly festival of each of the 78 municipalities in honor of its patron saint, set up in the town plaza with...
Frequently asked questions
How many municipalities are there?
78, each with its own old center, plaza and main church.
Are small towns worth a stop?
Yes, and they are usually where you eat better and cheaper. The plaza concentrates the bakery, the ice cream shop and the festivals.
