La Fortaleza - Palacio de Santa Catalina
La Fortaleza - Palacio de Santa Catalina
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
Visitors can take guided tours through this World Heritage Site, a 40-room mansion completed in 1540 that was used to defend against foreign invaders.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
219 reviews
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cocolia
españa12 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
It is a highly recommended visit. Also, if Sandra gives you the tour, you couldn't ask for more! She knows all the details and curiosities of this wonderful place, she likes her job and it shows. The Palace is beautiful, full of valuable objects, rich in history and its location, within the city, is privileged. The views from any point are a spectacle. I would definitely repeat the experience!
Written 14 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura R
Guttenberg, NJ364 contributions
Apr 2022
La Fortaleza is beautiful. We were able to get a tour (which is free but you must book in advance). The architecture is stunning, and the grounds are serene. The fountain takes you back to Al Hambra. It is a fantastic building. We were very happy to go on the tour.
Written 2 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen V
Tampa, FL3,157 contributions
Apr 2016 • Family
This is definitely a must see historical attraction. It has been the official residence of the Governor since the year 1846. The fort went through a major restoration at that time to make it the palace that it is today (Palacio de Santa Catalina). They have tours in English and Spanish. The tour office is located on Calle Fortaleza. It's the big yellow building on the left as you're walking towards the gated entrance. You can either call or go to this office early in the day to check on the tour times. The tour is free. You'll have to present your photo ID and sign a consent form before being given a visitor pass.
The tour will start in the waiting area of that office. In that area, you will see 2 chairs and a display of the Apollo 11 moon rock. The Apollo 11 astronauts sat in those chairs during the presentation of the moon rock to the Governor at La Fortaleza. You'll miss this if you're not paying close attention.
You'll be walked through the gate and into the courtyard. A security agent is present at all times. The Governor was there at the time so we were unable to tour the interior of the house. I didn't feel like I was missing anything. There is an amazing view of the original city walls and the palace garden. The palace can easily be sustained using the vegetables and herbs (such as recao) that grow in this garden. I'm sure the palace chefs make wonderful asopaos with this herb.
We were able to view the Chapel of Santa Catalina and the dungeon which all appeared to be in the Homage Tower. In my opinion, the stairway leading to this dungeon is not recommended for anyone over the age of 70. The steps are very high (more than a foot in height). I had to hold on to the railing as it was quite a drop to the next step. Also, climbing back up the steps may not be suitable for those with knee problems.
Another highlight for me was the main staircase in the palace. It is decorated in many of the styles of the 19th century. There are Catalonian tiles on the stairway steps, and antique wooden windows with a Neo-Moorish shape. Many classical architectural styles were represented. The dome was decorated with insignias that represented the various military units stationed throughout Puerto Rico.
It was a very informative tour. Our tour guide was wonderful. There were also lots of photo opportunities. The tour was a little under an hour in length. It's definitely worth a visit.
The tour will start in the waiting area of that office. In that area, you will see 2 chairs and a display of the Apollo 11 moon rock. The Apollo 11 astronauts sat in those chairs during the presentation of the moon rock to the Governor at La Fortaleza. You'll miss this if you're not paying close attention.
You'll be walked through the gate and into the courtyard. A security agent is present at all times. The Governor was there at the time so we were unable to tour the interior of the house. I didn't feel like I was missing anything. There is an amazing view of the original city walls and the palace garden. The palace can easily be sustained using the vegetables and herbs (such as recao) that grow in this garden. I'm sure the palace chefs make wonderful asopaos with this herb.
We were able to view the Chapel of Santa Catalina and the dungeon which all appeared to be in the Homage Tower. In my opinion, the stairway leading to this dungeon is not recommended for anyone over the age of 70. The steps are very high (more than a foot in height). I had to hold on to the railing as it was quite a drop to the next step. Also, climbing back up the steps may not be suitable for those with knee problems.
Another highlight for me was the main staircase in the palace. It is decorated in many of the styles of the 19th century. There are Catalonian tiles on the stairway steps, and antique wooden windows with a Neo-Moorish shape. Many classical architectural styles were represented. The dome was decorated with insignias that represented the various military units stationed throughout Puerto Rico.
It was a very informative tour. Our tour guide was wonderful. There were also lots of photo opportunities. The tour was a little under an hour in length. It's definitely worth a visit.
Written 30 April 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eileen J
San Juan, Puerto Rico1 contribution
It's a World Heritage Site, historical, a Palace/Fortress at the end of La Fortaleza Street. Have to visit. Sometimes you can get a tour inside the palace, but it all depends on the Governor and First Lady's working schedule. Not like the White House that you can go to different rooms because they are not living or working areas. All areas in La Fortaleza are in use all the time by the Governor's Family and employees. And the $3.00 fee per person is asked like a contribution for maintenance, you are not obliged to give it. And for $3.00 no matter where you go in the area, is worth it. And the tour guides are excellent, really know their history. Enjoy your visit!
Written 20 October 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tracefan
Michigan5 contributions
There are 2 separate tours. One of the gardens and one of the inside. Each is done in English and Spanish (one is done on the hour and the other is done on the 1/2 hour). We made a reservation at least a month ahead of time for our inside tour. The one caveat was it's subject to cancellation if there are official meetings scheduled. The day we wanted to tour was unavailable so we picked a different day. We were told to call the morning of our scheduled tour to confirm the inside tour was still a go. Fortunately, it was. (March, 2009) I've done both tours now and found the place to be beautiful and quite interesting and well worth the price (either $3 or $5, can't remember). You could do both tours in one day as they're about 1/2 hour long each.
So, call ahead to check the schedule/availability and reserve your spot. If you can only do one, go for the indoor. It's fabulous. We'll be back in San Juan in January 2010 and will definitely be going back. As I said, you can't beat the price!
So, call ahead to check the schedule/availability and reserve your spot. If you can only do one, go for the indoor. It's fabulous. We'll be back in San Juan in January 2010 and will definitely be going back. As I said, you can't beat the price!
Written 1 December 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sharon P
37 contributions
Oct 2015 • Couples
They only have tours at certain times and days (both English and Spanish), but they are FREE and was well worth seeing this historic and opulent mansion. Pics without flash are allowed. The first floor is from the 1500s and the 2nd and 3rd floor are from the 1800s. We got to see the first floor, Governor's Office (about 4 times the size of the Oval Office) and the 2nd floor with all the fancy reception and dining rooms. Go to the Tourist Office up the block from the main gate for details. Make sure to have an ID.
Written 16 October 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SanJuanExpert
San Juan, Puerto Rico44 contributions
I lived here for over 20 yrs before someone talked me into taking the tour, and boy was I surprized! The grounds, fountains, tapestries, elegantly appointed great room were truly impressive, and the tour was friendly and informative. Do it!
Written 4 February 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MDChief
Fallston, MD93 contributions
Feb 2014 • Family
I wasn't planning on doing a lot of sight seeing during a 6 day trip to San Juan, but I'm so glad I went to La Fortaleza. The tour took about 40 mins and although you don't get to go into the main house with the exception of the courtyard, dungeon and chapel, it was well worth it. Tour was free and our English tour left at 10:45 from the visitors center (which is 3 or 4 bldgs before the main gate of the palace. It's a yellow bldg on your left hand side). Tour was free, and although they say they have a strict dress policy, I was able to take the tour in my tank top, bermuda shorts and flip flops.
Written 21 February 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Globebugs
Australia2,993 contributions
Mar 2013 • Couples
This beautiful blue/white Governors’ residence is also called ‘La Fortaleza’ (the fortress) and is included in UNESCO’s portfolio of heritage sites. It’s hard to imagine looking at this architecturally stunning building that it was initially built as a defence system for San Juan. What’s visible now is the remodeled, neoclassical Governors Mansion instead of a military structure and the oldest, continuing administrative building in the Western world.
Located at the northern end of Fortaleza Street there are several daily, guided tours in both English/Spanish (not self- guided) that may include the mansion’s Moorish gardens, the dungeon and the chapel.There is $3.00 p/p fee (some suggest it’s free) - ring ahead or check about availability Mon-Fri. We tried after 3:45pm and missed the opportunity to visit (also need to dress in 'appropriate' attire if you are just there on the off chance) – a rear view of the building can be seen from San Juan Bay.
Enjoy your experience!
Located at the northern end of Fortaleza Street there are several daily, guided tours in both English/Spanish (not self- guided) that may include the mansion’s Moorish gardens, the dungeon and the chapel.There is $3.00 p/p fee (some suggest it’s free) - ring ahead or check about availability Mon-Fri. We tried after 3:45pm and missed the opportunity to visit (also need to dress in 'appropriate' attire if you are just there on the off chance) – a rear view of the building can be seen from San Juan Bay.
Enjoy your experience!
Written 25 May 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Edwin_Almodovar
Puerto Rico74 contributions
Mar 2012 • Family
A must see. The majority of the Puerto Ricans have ever seen this magnificent palace. It is the house of the Governor, so you may imagine how beautiful it is. Schedule a visit, either with a tour guide in English or Spanish. They have the tours every hour and a donation of $3 is what they ask for. Plan for about an hour, every minute worth it. You have to go through security and pay attention to the instructions provided as there are areas where they dont allow you to take pictures.
Written 13 March 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is today a good day to visit La Fortaleza? I hear its vacant today.
Written 24 July 2019
Hello, there have been some protests these days in Old San Juan and I would recommend visiting other parts of the island and not Old San Juan because of the crowds of people asking for things to be better for Puerto Rico. Ask your hosts because very day it’s changing.
Written 25 July 2019
How did you book or reserve the tour? Was it a private tour or group?
Written 18 May 2017
We just went to the office and asked when was the next scheduled tour and then we showed up at the scheduled time.
If you are facing the mansion, the office is on the left hand side of the street and it's a few buildings before you reach the mansion.
If you walk up to the gate of the mansion and ask how to attend a tour, they will direct you to the office.
Written 23 May 2017
Hola Claudia, cuanto tiempo antes tenes que anotarte y donde lo haces para poder visitar La Fortaleza? Que otros lugares recomendas visitar en Puerto Rico? Pienso ir en unos dias.
Saludos, y gracias por tu tiempo!
Written 14 April 2017
Buenas Noches,Pablo,yo hice el Tour en Español,ese día fue a las 2:30 de la tarde,son muy puntuales,te anotas el mismo día,antes de realizarlo,debes llevar un documento de Identidad o en su defecto tú Pasaporte.
Un Edificio Amarillo que esta a pocos metros de la Fortaleza.
A muchos sitios preciosos en el Centro Histórico:Plazas,Parque.
Las Playas son preciosas,mira los Sitios que visite y mis opiniones.
Se que te encantara.
Buen Viaje,
Written 15 April 2017
Please send physical address of the Governors Place
Written 11 July 2016
63 Calle Fortaleza, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico
Written 13 July 2016
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