Visting Cathedral of San Juan, Puerto Rico (Oldest Cathedral in United States) & Ponce de León Tomb

The Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of San Juan Bautista, also known as the Cathedral of San Juan, is the Catholic cathedral of the Archdiocese of San Juan of Puerto Rico. This majestic building is one of the oldest in San Juan and is located in Old San Juan. Here are some interesting facts about this cathedral:
The original cathedral in what was then the city of Puerto Rico (later renamed San Juan Bautista in 1521) was built of wood in 1521. However, it was destroyed by a hurricane. Construction of the current church began in 1535 and was virtually completed in 1802. Later, in 1905, an upper part was added to the façade.
Although the Cathedral of Santa María la Menor in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, is an older building, the Cathedral of San Juan Bautista holds the title of being the first cathedral in the Americas. This is because San Juan, then known as the City of Puerto Rico, was the first diocese of the New World, with the appointment of Bishop Don Alonso Manso in 1511.
Restoration and protection: On the occasion of its 500th anniversary in 2021, the San Juan Metropolitan Cathedral Protective Foundation was established to fund the historic restoration of the building and its artistic treasures, as well as to protect it for future generations.
The Cathedral of San Juan Bautista is a historical and spiritual treasure that remains an important place of worship and a symbol of Puerto Rico's rich heritage. #sanjuan #cathedral #puertorico

[@TaylorSwift57637]

Nice channel, Jonathan

[@JonathanBrowneMenzies]

Thanks for watching, Taylor!

[@anthonyalvino6728]

Hey Jonathan. Is there a charge to tour the Cathedral?

[@JonathanBrowneMenzies]

No charge, you can visit the cathedral for free. Thanks for watching!