Plaza de las Delicias, Ponce /Dean
South April-2007, By:Travel and Sports Staff
Explore the South, Porta Caribe
The southern experience of Porta Caribe offers mountains and beaches as well as major cultural and historic attractions. At the shoreline, the coastal towns of Guayanilla, Ponce, Santa Isabel, Salinas, Arroyo and Patillas stretch out along sandy white beaches where you can enjoy waterfront restaurants and stunningly beautiful coastal forests. The interior towns of Yauco, Peñuelas, Juana Díaz, Coamo and Guayama developed as agricultural communities based in large part on the old sugar industry. Of course the whole area is anchored by Ponce, the Pearl of the South.
Ponce (AE/5)
Ponce is the second largest city on the Island and a major contributor to the political, social, economic, and cultural development of Puerto Rico. Ponce is known as “La Perla del Sur” (the Pearl of the South) and the “Ciudad Señorial” (the Noble City) because of its beautiful facades, neoclassical architecture and European touch. Ponce is strategically located at the Cordillera Central foothills, to the west of the Llano Costanero del Sur (South Plain Coast), facing the Caribbean Sea and approximately in the center of the south coast. The historic, beautiful downtown Plaza is a must-see, with lovely fountains and the Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Guadalupe. Behind the cathedral is the red and black, century-old wooden firehouse, Parque de Bombas. This unique firehouse is open to the public, with exhibits on the second floor.
Guayama (AE/8)
The beautiful Iglesia San Antonio de Padua on the plaza is the only one in Puerto Rico in the neoromantic style. The bells (donated by Doña Catalina Algarín) were cast in Germany in 1835 from bronze and gold. Museo Casa Cautiño, built in 1887 as the family home of Don Genaro Cautiño, is an important historical structure and museum.
Arroyo (AE/8)
Today Arroyo is called the “Pueblo Grato” (the pleasant town) because of its natural beauty. This includes the beaches and thermal waters in the area. In 1859 Samuel Morse installed in Arroyo the first telegraph line in Puerto Rico and Latin America. The history and memorabilia of this communications milestone are at the Museo Antigua Aduana, a must-see attraction.
Patillas (AE/9)
In the town, take a look at the Parroquia Inmaculado Corazón de María. It was built in 1845, destroyed during the San Felipe hurricane, and then rebuilt in 1930. The nearby Carite Forest and recreational area has a small river that forms a natural pool called Charco Azul that is very popular among the locals.
Salinas (AE/7)
Hometown of the “Mojo Isleño” (a sauce prepared with spices, onions and tomatoes used with fish, seafood and fried plantains), Salinas is a great place to try the local fritters. There are a variety of small kiosks and restaurants along the coast or on Rt 701.
Coamo (AD/6)
Founded in 1579, Coamo is well known because of the healthful hot springs discovered in 1571. The legends say that this was the fountain of youth sought by Juan Ponce de León (first Spanish governor of the Island). While in town, stop by the Museo Histórico de Coamo, located in front of the plaza.
Santa Isabel (AE/6)
The artisans in this area are particularly well known for the locally produced bomba drums. In the town, stop by the Iglesia Santiago Apóstol at the Plaza de Recreo. You might also want to stop at El Malecón, a small area with restaurants overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
Juana Díaz (AE/6)
Juana Díaz starts every year with a deeply religious event on January 6: the Three Kings Day. On the Plaza Baldorioty de Castro you will find the Monument of the Three Kings, which honors the Indian, African and Spanish heritage of Puerto Rico.
Villalba (AD/6)
In today’s Villalba you will find a newly renovated, multilevel central plaza with a cobblestone surface, fountains, benches, a small arched clock tower and gazebo. All of this is visually integrated with the large beautiful church set at one end of the plaza with the mountains as a backdrop.
Jayuya (AC/5)
You will find the Casa Canales historic home and the Cemí Museum Monument featuring Taíno archaeological artifacts and a photographic exhibition of petroglyphs that were found around the Island.
Adjuntas (AD/4)
At the Casa Pueblo you can get permits to the Bosque del Pueblo. While you are at the Casa Pueblo, check out the “Mariposario” (a new butterfly garden). You might also stop by the Museo de Cultura y Turismo and then go off to view one of the local waterfalls, overlooks, petroglyphs or forests (such as the Guilarte Forest).
Peñuelas (AE/4)
The town is known as “La Capital del Güiro.” The güiro is an important part of the Island’s folklore and culture, since it plays an essential part in the music of Puerto Rico. On the Plaza de Recreo, you will find the Parroquia San José de Peñuelas. Also on the plaza is the “Locomotora La Negra Cocola.” This historic locomotive was used to transport the sugarcane from Hacienda Dolores.
Guayanilla (AE/4)
Guayanilla is located in a spectacular natural habitat formed by extensive mangrove forests. There are hundreds of species of birds and other wildlife as well as spawning grounds for a great variety of fishlife in the mangroves. This town, with its deep fishing heritage, is known as “La Villa de los Pescadores” (the Fishermen Villa).
Yauco (AE/3)
The city was founded in 1758 to avoid the constant pirate attacks to the south coast. Near the Plaza de Recreo Fernando Pacheco, you will find historic buildings such as the Iglesia Católica Nuestra Señora del Rosario, City Hall, and the Centro de Arte Alejandro Franceschi museum. The museum’s collection includes oil paintings and stained glass.
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South Article Archive
2007-04 Explore the South, Porta Caribe
2005-08 Ponce, Coamo, Salinas
2005-06 Guayama, Arroyo, Santa Isabel
2005-04 Ponce: Pearl of the South, Patillas, Peñuelas
2005-02 Ponce, Coamo, Yauco
2004-12 Ponce, Juana Díaz, Guayanilla
2004-08 Juana Díaz, Salinas
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