Catedral de San Juan Bautista, also known as the Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica of Saint John the Baptist, is a historic Roman Catholic cathedral located in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. Founded in 1521, it is the second-oldest cathedral in the Americas and the oldest in the United States. The current structure was completed in 1802, following several reconstructions due to natural disasters.
Architecture & Highlights
-
Style: Baroque architecture with neoclassical elements.
-
Interior: Features stained glass windows, intricate woodwork, and religious relics.
-
Notable Tombs: The cathedral houses the tomb of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León.
-
Shrines: Contains the national shrine to Our Lady of Divine Providence, patroness of Puerto Rico, and a shrine dedicated to Blessed Carlos Manuel Rodríguez Santiago, the first Puerto Rican layperson to be beatified.
Visiting Hours
The cathedral is open to the public daily:
-
Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
-
Saturday & Sunday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Please note that mass schedules and visiting hours may vary on holidays.
Admission
There is generally no admission fee to enter the cathedral, as it is an active place of worship. However, donations are appreciated to support its maintenance and preservation.
Location
151 Calle del Cristo, Old San Juan, San Juan, PR 00901