About  San Jose Church (Iglesia de San José)

Dominican monks built the Iglesia de San José in 1532, giving it one of the earliest models of Spanish Gothic architecture in the Americas. Unlike the San Juan Cathedral, this chapel is small, with a modest façade, but the arched interior gives it a spacious feel. For around 300 years, the Spanish explorer Ponce de León was concealed here until his body was transported to the San Juan Cathedral in 1913. Puerto Rican artist of the eighteen century, José Campeche, is buried here. The San José Church, or the Iglesia de Santo Tomás de Aquino, is one of the exceptional and oldest examples of Gothic-influenced divine structure built by the Spanish in the New World.

How to reach

The church is just 1.9 km away from the city centre. 

Taxi: Drive from San Juan to Calle San Sebastián for 2 minutes for $1. 

Tips

  • Check before you go as renovation keeps on going in the church.
  • It is respectful to take flowers and go. 
  • The church is fairly plain, mostly painted white, but it has a rich history and a great story to tell.
  • Talk to the locals here and get to know more about this place.
  • An extensive bilingual exhibit on the outside of its walls highlights some of the archaeological discoveries made during the restoration process. It's worth dropping by if you're close – you might find the doors open and get a peek inside.
  • Don’t forget to make a donation to help maintain the building.
  • You can ask at the office for a copy of the pamphlet that explains the carvings in the church.

Visit Time

Sunday: 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Monday: 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday: 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday: 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Thursday: 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Friday:  6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Saturday: 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Time Icon

Waiting Time

None

 

Entrance Fee Icon

Entrance Fee

No

 

Time you can spend Icon

Time you can spend

1 hour

 

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Weather

Clear Sky 30.92°C

 

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