Feeling like taking a trip through time? Here are some historically important places you should visit!
By Luis Reyes-Ortiz
We are very proud of our history and culture. In every town, in every neighborhood, there’s a fascinating story, legend or myth. The west of the island is no exception; this is an extremely important historic region. In 1493, Christopher Columbus, on his second journey to the New World, discovered Boriken and landed on the shores of either Aguada, Aguadilla or Guánica (this has been disputed for years). Many of the first attempted settlements from the Spanish on the island were held in Aguada. In 1898, General Miles and US troops arrived in Puerto Rico through the Guánica Bay to take the island from Spanish rule.
These important events, which marked our history and culture, happened in this region. Although it’s hard to deny the wonders of the beach on a Caribbean vacation, especially one in the west, it’s also good to go out and take an adventure through some of the sites from the past. This region has countless of elegant places filled with historical value, where you can shy away from routine, and take an amazing, unforgettable trip.
Here are four very distinct and interesting places worth your time!
Moca
Los Moreau Palace (Labadie/Irurena Estate)
This beautiful mansion was a coffee plantation during the 19th century, initially belonging to the Pellot family, descendants from the Basque region of Fuenterrabia, around the French-Spanish border. It was known as Irurena, a Basque term that means “three siblings”, describing the owners of the estate. In 1860, a man named Juan Labadie bought the plantation from the brothers. After Labadie’s death, his widow decided to demolish the wooden structure and reconstruct it in concrete. After the arrival of the United States, the estate became a colony of the Coloso sugar mill, which was the biggest producer of the area.
The Puerto Rican writer, Enrique Laguerre, a native from Moca, immortalized the mansion under the name Hacienda Plameras, owned by the Moreau family in his famous novel, La llamarada. After a fire in 1993 destroyed most of the structure, the local government helped to reconstruct it and eventually named it Los Moreau Palace, as a tribute to the novel and the respected writer.
This amazing gem, in one of the least appreciated towns of the island, is an incredible example of architectural design: Second Empire Baroque, a common Caribbean design, meant to resemble a French chateau or castle. Take a trip through the extravagant interiors or stroll through the immersive gardens and landscapes. Enjoy this wonderful relic of the past, one that will surely touch the minds and hearts of everybody.
San Germán
Pronounced “porta cheli”, which means “doorway to heaven” — also known as the Museum of Religious Art — this classic, and extremely elegant chapel, is San Germán’s best-known historical building. Constructed between 1606 and 1607, it’s considered to be the oldest and longest standing religious building of the island. The chapel, through its history, was mostly part of a convent created by Dominican friars.
By the 19th century, the convent was used as a school and it was even attempted to be used as a jail, foiled by the complaints of the town’s folks. In 1868, due to its deterioration, the convent part of the structure, not the chapel, was demolished. In 1949, the Catholic Church sold the building to the local government and, in 1962, it was inaugurated as the Museum of Religious Art. The museum features numerous religious sculptures, paintings, and other forms of artistic expression from the 18th and 19th centuries, in a familiar, easy-going environment. In 1930, the Conservative Board of Historical Value included the chapel as a historical monument. It also appears in the National Register of Historic Sites of the United States.
Outside the building, the view of the structure is amazing, especially the most memorable aspect of the exteriors, its magnificent staircase. Simply perfect for that family picture. Come and see for yourself what makes this building such an icon in San Germán, and of the west side of Puerto Rico.
Aguada
Continuing with religious structures, here’s this great staple, of this small, coastal town. The original parish was done in 1692, approximately 175 years after the first established temple in the Aguada area, Ermita de Espinar. It initially served as part of the San Juan Diocese, before serving four others across its history. It was reconstructed for the first time in 1793 and lasted until 1918 when the structure was destroyed by a deadly earthquake that stroked the island. Construction for today’s design began in 1922, and it was officially inaugurated in 1936. The church features a beautiful set of stained-glass windows, which were installed in 1956, and again in 1964. In 1993, it had its last reconstruction until this day and it’s still a remarkable achievement.
Puerto Rico has had a long, religious history, mainly because of the centuries spent under Spanish rule and it’s sites like these that give you a sense of how deep this goes in our culture. The spectacular semi-Gothic design stunningly appreciated from the outside, and the colorful interiors of the church can certainly send shivers down your spine, as you witness one of the most unique designs in the island. While every town in Puerto Rico has a church in their town square, this one looks and feels special. All you must do is visit it once, and you’ll see what I mean. The Parish San Francisco de Asís is a defining attraction of impressive architectural complexity, and an unforgettable sight not to be missed.
Cabo Rojo
The raging sounds from the ocean waves can be heard. They crash against the immense cliff where this old lighthouse lies, while bathed by the sea breeze under the rich Caribbean sun. A friendly warning when visiting, be very careful. Los Morrillos Lighthouse is the third beacon ever created under the Spanish crown (1882) and has become an example of structural endurance and perseverance over the years. Constructed in a Neo-Classical style, with bricks and mortar, this lighthouse was designed to light the night through the Mona Canal, a hotspot for pirate activity in those days. It was later accompanied by the ones in Rincón, Aguadilla, and Mona. Due to its high altitude, this lighthouse was one of the most effective points of vigilance in the area, and perhaps of all Puerto Rico.
On October 22, 1981, it was included to the National Registry of Historic Sites. While it lacks the historical significance of other sites on the island, it’s still a vivid reminder of a past that has illuminated our lives well into the future. Today, it maintains the beauty of its architecture, with an impeccable, and undeniably gorgeous view towards the Caribbean Sea, an incredible panoramic darling for those who enjoy the landscapes offered by nature. If it weren’t enough, the lighthouse is near some other attractive sites. Hike for about five minutes east towards the soothing Playa Sucia, or six minutes west towards Rock Bridge, an awesome natural rock formation. Also, very near, are the local salt flats, a famous sight in the municipality.
Take the road trip and visit these awesome sites, whether is with your family, or with your friends, and be sure you’re witness to what’s truly great about Puerto Rico, and of course, the world.
