Tag: Architecture

Museo Castillo Serrallés | Ponce, Puerto Rico

Castillo Serrallés History

Castillo Serrallés is the family home of the best selling rum brand in Puerto Rico, Don Q. This incredible castle and much of the entire city of Ponce, was build as part of the vast Serrallés family fortune.

Built in 1930, this four story concrete castle sits on top of a hill overlooking downtown Ponce, Puerto Rico. The former family mansion turned museum is Spanish Revival or Spanish Moroccan architecture designed in the 1920’s. Surrounded by magnificently manicured gardens, there is a strong breeze from the Caribbean Sea to naturally cool the property.

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Mayagüez, Puerto Rico | Architectural Gem of the West

Mayagüez is a living time capsule for the early 1900’s, specifically the Art Deco style architecture from the 1920’s. Blending the modern elements of Art Deco and the traditional Spanish architecture makes Mayagüez so uniquely special.
This self guided walking tour of the old city center is the perfect way to explore and enjoy the architectural gems.

Mayagüez, Puerto Rico is an architectural gem and absolutely worth a visit. Beyond the architecture, Mayagüez boasts incredible restaurants, small town charm, and incredible ocean views.

Founded on September 18, 1760, Mayagüez started with humble beginnings first as a simple Spanish town, then elevated to status of villa, and now it is the 8th largest population municipality of Puerto Rico. It is affectionately referred to as the Capital of the West.

Colon Plaza City Center in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico
Colon Plaza City Center in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico

While not my first visit, I was able to spend several days in the oldest part of the city. The highlight of this visit for me is touring the various styles of architecture, especially impressive is that most of these buildings are within a 2 block radius. It is fascinating how much there is to see simply walking around.

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Exploring Seattle’s Underground in Pioneer Square | Hidden History in Seattle

Pioneer Square Park

Park at Pioneer Square
Park at Pioneer Square

Tucked behind the modern Seattle waterfront is the historic area of Pioneer Square.  The most noticeable landmark is the triangle shaped park in the heart of Pioneer Square. Continue reading “Exploring Seattle’s Underground in Pioneer Square | Hidden History in Seattle”

Visit Casa Roig Museum in Humacao, Puerto Rico

Casa Roig is more than a museum, it is a glimpse into the life of a wealthy sugar plantation owner, an architectural first in the region, restoration in progress, as well as a lovely exhibit hall for local artists.Casa Roig Museum in Humacao Puerto Rico

Sugar production shaped the Caribbean culture in many ways including wealth distribution and overall agriculture.  Casa Roig is a unique Prairie House style architecture build by renowned Czechoslovakian architect Antonin Nechodoma in the Frank Lloyd Wright influenced style of building.  This house was unique to the region and would appear modern, futuristic even compared to the local buildings at the time.

Located in the heart of Humacao, Puerto Rico, Museo Casa Roig is hidden on a small street.  A street that I have hurriedly driven down, not noticing this delightful two story former plantation owner’s home now restored and converted into a museum and art gallery. Continue reading “Visit Casa Roig Museum in Humacao, Puerto Rico”

Exploring Castillo San Felipe del Morro Fort Puerto Rico

The first time I saw Castillo San Felipe del Morro Fort in Old San Juan was by boat.  Our cruise ship safely docked and I was mesmerized by the large stone fort.  With only one day in Puerto Rico, we toured the smaller fort of San Cristobal, opting to spend more time exploring Old San Juan and dinner at the famous Barrachina restaurant.  I loved San Juan immediately, and knew we would be back later to explore El Morro and Puerto Rico.

Arrival by Sea in 2012
Arrival by Sea in 2012

Almost four years later, we live full-time in beautiful Puerto Rico.  When my parents recently came to visit, El Morro was at the top of our itinerary.  For their visit, we approached on foot.  Our Uber driver dropped us off at the long walk way leading to the entrance.  Once again, I was still mesmerized.

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