Casa Blanca Museum (White House Museum), San Juan
Casa Blanca is a house museum located in Old San Juan. This lovely white adobe building is one of the oldest buildings in San Juan. Built in 1521 it served as the first fortification of the San Juan islet and residence for Juan Ponce de Leon, the first governor of Puerto Rico, and his family. Juan Ponce de Leon unfortunately died in an expedition to Florida without ever lived in the house. It was later used as the residence of his descendants, until the mid-18th century. As a fortification it served mostly as a refuge in times of attack from Taino rebels.
The house was built in wood but the original structure was destroyed by fire and rebuilt in stone and masonry. It subsequently was occupied by members of the Spanish army and later by American army commanders. The surrounding gardens were planted by the first American governor of the island in the 19th century. In 1967 the complex was transferred to the government of Puerto Rico and declared a historical monument. In 1981, it was recorded in the Historic American Buildings Survey. The house is a museum of 16th and 17th century artifacts managed by the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture.
The building, walls and gardens are in excellent condition. The plaques on the walls explain the history of each room. The museum charges a small fee ($5) to enter while one can visit the gardens for free.
The house was built in wood but the original structure was destroyed by fire and rebuilt in stone and masonry. It subsequently was occupied by members of the Spanish army and later by American army commanders. The surrounding gardens were planted by the first American governor of the island in the 19th century. In 1967 the complex was transferred to the government of Puerto Rico and declared a historical monument. In 1981, it was recorded in the Historic American Buildings Survey. The house is a museum of 16th and 17th century artifacts managed by the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture.
The building, walls and gardens are in excellent condition. The plaques on the walls explain the history of each room. The museum charges a small fee ($5) to enter while one can visit the gardens for free.
Sight description based on Wikipedia.
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Casa Blanca Museum (White House Museum) on Map
Sight Name: Casa Blanca Museum (White House Museum)
Sight Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico (See walking tours in San Juan)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico (See walking tours in San Juan)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in San Juan, Puerto Rico
Create Your Own Walk in San Juan
Creating your own self-guided walk in San Juan is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Souvenir Shopping
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.6 Km or 0.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.6 Km or 0.4 Miles
Old San Juan Squares
A distinctive feature of Old San Juan is the multitude of quaint picturesque squares, many of them adorned with beautiful fountains and spectacular monuments. Each square has a unique character and historical significance, making them integral to the city's identity.
Plaza Colon, also known as Columbus Square, pays homage to Christopher Columbus and his exploration of the New World. It... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Plaza Colon, also known as Columbus Square, pays homage to Christopher Columbus and his exploration of the New World. It... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
San Juan Historical Buildings
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Chief among its historical buildings, La Fortaleza, or The Fortress, is the official residence of the Governor of Puerto Rico and the longest-standing executive mansion in continuous use in America. At the same time, the Cathedral... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Chief among its historical buildings, La Fortaleza, or The Fortress, is the official residence of the Governor of Puerto Rico and the longest-standing executive mansion in continuous use in America. At the same time, the Cathedral... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Old San Juan Walking Tour
Founded by Spanish colonists in 1509, at a site then known as "Puerto Rico" (which means Rich Port in Spanish), San Juan is the third oldest capital in the Americas established by Europeans. In 1521, the words "San Juan" were added to its official name, thus making it "San Juan Bautista de Puerto Rico". This was in keeping with the custom of christening the town with... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
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