| Recomended for: | Sightseeing, Relaxation, Family, Explorers |
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| Tags: | Old San Juan, chapel, Santa Catalina, Cristo, street, fortaleza, artillery, fortress, structure, historical site, San Pedro, fiestas, horse, governor, secretary, miracle, christ, pigeon, park, family, children, view, bay |
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Description: Between 1634 and 1638, this chapel dedicated to Santa Catalina was raised at the bottom of Del Cristo Street. The chapel was previously located in close proximity to La Fortaleza where it interfered with artillery shots fired from that fortress. The old structure had to be leveled and its location moved to where it now stands. Legend tells of how in June of 1750, during the traditional horse races of Las Fiestas de San Pedro, Captain Baltasár Montañés rode his horse into the wall next to the Chapel. Both the rider and his horse were saved from the fall by this structure. Don Tomás Mates Prats, the governor’s secretary, deemed this a miracle. Having invoked El Cristo de la Salud to take care of the rider, Don Tomas hung a painting of the Christ in this Chapel to commemorate this miraculous occurrence. Next to La Capilla you will find el Parque de las Palomas or ‘pigeon park’ where families bring their children to feed the birds and enjoy the magnificent view of the bay. |
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