The marble dome
Seen from many sides.
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The Capitol of Puerto Rico, or El Capitolio, is the seat of the Legislative Assembly, standing just outside the walls of Old San Juan on high ground between the Atlantic and San Juan Bay. Clad in white marble with a great dome, it is one of the finest public buildings on the island, visible from San Cristóbal fort. It was built between 1921 and 1929 in the Neoclassical Beaux-Arts style, designed by the architect Rafael Carmoega to resemble the Pantheon in Rome, taking inspiration from the Low Memorial Library in New York. It joined the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1977 and houses both the Senate and House, with rich artwork inside. Broad marble steps climb to a row of columns and a dome between two long wings, with a patterned plaza, palms and flagpoles out front. Inside are a painted dome, corridors with polished floors and mosaic panels telling the island's history, including one on the abolition of slavery. The ocean lies directly behind it. It is about 1.5 km in a straight line from La Fortaleza, within walking distance of Old San Juan, though the heat is strong. Sources say it opens on weekdays and closes at weekends, and free tours need arranging in advance. Visits may be limited during sessions, and you may be asked for ID. It looks best at sunset from the plaza or from the fort walls.
Seen from many sides.
Up to the columns.
The island's history.
Puerta de Tierra, outside the walls of Old San Juan
Castillo San CristóbalThe largest fortification the Spanish built in the New World, guarding Old San J7 minutes walk4.7
Old San Juan and La FortalezaThe historic quarter of Puerto Rico's capital and the island's oldest settlement13 minutes walk
Paseo de la Princesa and the City WallsA nineteenth-century promenade about eight hundred metres long, running along Sa15 minutes walk4.7
La FortalezaLa Fortaleza, «the fortress», also called Palacio de Santa Catalina, is the offi18 minutes walk
Casa BlancaCasa Blanca is a historic house in Old San Juan, the first fortification on San 19 minutes walkYes, usually free, but book in advance.
From the plaza, or from San Cristóbal fort.