Our guide was a local and very knowledgeable about Castillo San Cristóbal and about the Commonwealth itself. We learned interesting tidbits that would take to much time to write here. Now onto the point of this post... the location. San Cristóbal stands guard st the eastern gate and built in 1634. This was to protect the land entrance to Old San Juan. This is largest fortifications that was built by the Spanish in the New World covering 27 acres. When you visit make sure you have some good walking shoes.
I love going to places and trying to picture what it was like back during its prime. (I know, I know... history nerd!) Our guide took us through the fort and we went into the Dungeon. Inside here there is no window, so that means there is no light or air coming in. A group of us were in here for maybe 5+ mins and we were sweating I can only imagine what the actual prisoners felt like. On the wall there is some ancient graffiti of ships and mierda (sh!t) written on the walls. Not everyone agrees that prisoners were kept in this room, but chose what you wish to believe. Someone had to of been kept there in my opinion.  |
| Leaving the fort, it is massive. |
The fort has a presence in this city still to this day- now only has a landmark but a unique look into the history. The first shots of the Spanish-American War were fired here. Now the city does have a better known fortification, El Morro, which protected the city from sea attacks. A post will follow on there as well.
The fortification is open daily from 9am to 6pm.
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