| Recomended for: | Sightseeing, Family, Culture & Learning |
| Hours of Operation: |
Monday: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM Wednesday: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM Thursday: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM Friday: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Amenities: |
Wheelchair Access Parking |
| Tags: | Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, museum, Caparra Ruins, historic, archeological, National Historic Landmark, Juan Ponce de León, Old San Juan, Adolfo de Hostos, Instituto de Cultuta Puertorriqueña |
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Year Established:
1508 Description: Located in the municipality of Guaynabo right along Puerto Rico Highway 2 you will find the Caparra Ruins Museum and Historical Park. This archeological site was recognized as a National Historic Landmark by the United States in 1994, having served centuries ago as the first capital of Puerto Rico. Founded in 1508 by Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León, the settlement gave way to Spain’s ambitious plans of colonization. By 1521 the town had been abandoned in favor of a new capital in Old San Juan. Its ruins were discovered in 1935 by Puerto Rican historian Adolfo de Hostos as construction of the nearby highway began. They were finally handed over to the Institute of Culture in 1958 when a museum was established in order to house the archeological objects found in this and other sites around the island. The oldest known European community under United States authority might be considered a small site nowadays, but it is big on history. |
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