Visit Castillo San Felipe del Morro in Old San Juan Puerto Rico
Castillo San Felipe del Morro also known as Fuerte San Felipe del Morro or Castillo del Morro, is a 16th-century citadel located in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
On the northeastern-most point of the islet of Old San Juan, Castillo San Felipe del Morro is named in honor of King Philip II of Spain. The fortification, also referred to asel Morro or ‘the promontory,’ was designed to guard the entrance to the San Juan Bay, and defend the Spanish colonial port city of San Juan from seaborne enemies.
In 1983, the citadel was declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations in conjunction with the San Juan National Historic Site. Over two million visitors a year explore the castillo, making it one of Puerto Rico’s leading tourist attractions. Facing the structure, on the opposite side of the bay, a smaller fortification known asEl Cañuelocomplemented the castillo’s defense of the entrance to the bay.
The images in this post are taken by Mark Derho. Please feel free to use freely to promote Puerto Rico without attribution; but not represented as your original content for sale (i.e. you may not sell these images). Social media sharing, reference and attribution is appreciated – please attribute Bike Rent Puerto Rico.
When considering things to do in Puerto Rico, we enjoyed an interesting and free historical tour of the ASOCIACION DE FOTOPERIODISTAS DE PUERTO RICO installation, in August 2018.
We were particularly moved by the beautiful and poignant protest photos, and images of the Puerto Rican people bravely protesting authoritarian rule, and being tear-gassed for peacefully protesting.
Dr. Bailey K. Ashford
Dr. Bailey K. Ashford cured approximately 300,000 Puerto Rican’s (1/3 of Puerto Rico population) of Hookworm and saved their lives. – Wiki
Colonel Bailey K. Ashford (September 28, 1873 – September 10, 1934) was an American physician who had a military career in the United States Army, and afterward taught full-time at the School of Tropical Medicine, which he helped establish in San Juan.
A pioneering physician in the treatment of anemia, while stationed in Puerto Rico Ashford organized and conducted a parasite treatment campaign against hookworm, which cured approximately 300,000 persons (one-third of the Puerto Rico population). This reduced the death rate from associated anemia by 90 percent. He was a founding member of the Puerto Rico Anemia Commission
Ashford Residence
In his honor, the main avenue in the San Juan, Puerto Rico district of “El Condado”, bears his name as does Ashford Presbyterian Community Hospital, also in Condado. His home in Condado, the Ashford Residence is being preserved and renovated and currently houses the ASOCIACION DE FOTOPERIODISTAS DE PUERTO RICO.
In 1941, The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, established the “Bailey K. Ashford Medal”. This is awarded for distinguished work in tropical medicine to a worker in his or her early or mid-career. The first person to receive the award was Lloyd E. Rozeboom. The medal is awarded every year, and more than one award may be given.
Dr. Ashford died on September 10, 1934, in his home in San Juan. His remains were interred in Puerto Rico National Cemetery in the city of Bayamón.
There Are Many Enchanted Things To Do in Puerto Rico
Have you made your “Things to do in Puerto Rico” list yet? There are so many wonderful things to do in Puerto Rico – aptly known as “The Enchanted Island”! You can also see more of Puerto Rico with a beach cruiser bike rental than you would by just walking.
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Start with the Amazing Weather
80’s and gorgeous all of the time, barring storms.
Here’s a few of MARK’S favorite Puerto Rico Sightseeing experiences.
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Mark’s Favorite Things To Do in Puerto Rico … so far!
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1. Snorkeling in Culebra
We had so much fun that we went back again, and again.
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2. Jet-Skiing in Santurce, Puerto Rico
See the GoPro Video from Mark Jet-Skiing in Santurce in 2016!
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3. Sightseeing at El Yunque Rainforest
We were fortunate to see the rainforest before the hurricane.
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Puerto Rico is Amazing by Any Name
Puerto Rico is Spanish for “Rich Port” – officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or “Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico”. The literal translation is “Free Associated State of Puerto Rico”, and was briefly called Porto Rico. The wonderful island is an unincorporated territory of the United States and is located in the northeast Caribbean Sea, approximately 1,000 miles (1,600 km) southeast of Miami, Florida.
An archipelago among the Greater Antilles, Puerto Rico includes the main island of Puerto Rico and a number of smaller ones, such as Mona, Culebra, and Vieques.
The capital and most populous city is San Juan, where Bike Rent Puerto Rico is headquartered. The official languages are Spanish and English although Spanish dominates in the local culture while English is most-popular among tourists.
The island’s population is 3.4 million approximately. Puerto Rico’s culture and history, tropical climate, natural scenery, traditional cuisine, and tax incentives make it a destination for travelers from around the world.
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The Enchanted Island also welcomes more than 6-million tourists annually. bike rent puerto rico recommends a premium yet cost-effective Beach Cruiser Bike Rental or a guided San Juan Bike Tour, if you are visiting Old San Juan. Mention this blog post online or on social media, then show it to us and SAVE 20% inside the store!
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Knowledge of History Leads to Authentic Experiences
