Remembering the beautiful colonial architecture of San Juan...

One of my fondest memories of Puerto Rico are the pastel-colored facades of Spanish colonial buildings along the streets of Viejo (Old) San Juan.  I enjoyed those early evening strolls with my wife during our year residing in a one-bedroom flat on Calle de la Luna. Sources say that the quincentennial anniversary of the discovery of Puerto Rico in 1992 sparked a major campaign in restoration of the island's colonial architecture.  The photos below, taken in 2012, are testimonials of advances in this mammoth effort.   In the past decade, buildings and public areas have been revitalized one by one despite the unprecedented decline of population in Old San Juan.

        
Pastel-colored Facades in Old San Juan

Vibrant Facades in Old San Juan

As you meander along the narrow cobblestone streets, your eyes are easily drawn up the vibrant facades by the billowing flower boxes which droop over the ornamental iron and wooden balconies.

      
Flower Drooping Over Balconies

One street that I find to have unmatched charm and tranquility is the small street named "Caleta de San Juan", which slopes down to Puerta de San Juan (San Juan Gate) from San Juan Bautista Cathedral.  It runs parallel to "Caleta de las Monjas".  The shade afforded by tall trees with large canopies further compliments the sharp contrast between the colorful facades with the rich foliage.

        
View Along "Caleta de San Juan"
  

To be continued...