We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.
All 187 San Juan Attractions »

La Fortaleza - Palacio de Santa Catalina

Calle Fortaleza, San Juan 00902-0082, Puerto Rico
787-721-7000
Ranked #17 of 91 attractions in San Juan
4.5 of 5 stars 38 Reviews
Type: Historic Sites, Government Buildings
Activities: City walk sightseeing, Group tours/walking tour
Description: Visitors can take guided tours through this World Heritage Site, a 40-room mansion completed in 1540 that was used to defend against foreign invaders.
Update attraction details
Write a Review

38 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    21
    12
    4
    0
    1
Date Rating
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed May 11, 2012 NEW

The walk on the Fortaleza street is nice. This is the Governor's mansion so you are not really allowed in so we could not see the fort but the quaint shops are nice. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 6 more reviews by Jay201146 for San Juan
Derry, New Hampshire
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 8, 2012

really a nice place, the views were breathtaking, very clean, lots of history, and they had a demonstration while we were there. and the trolly around town was free on sunday and went right in front of us. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
1 of 5 stars Reviewed May 3, 2012

it was closed the day we tried to enter, and the front door people didn't even talk to us when we asked their times and if they offered tours. one snorted under his breath when we turned around, which my husband found very rude. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 6 more reviews by PRICANBABE for San Juan
Columbus,GA
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 23, 2012

This World Heritage Site, a 40-room mansion completed in 1540 is the longest occupied Governors house under the US Flag. Tours are given on the hour, modest dress is suggested but they will offer cover-ups if needed. The tours are free and very informative. The view of the garden and the state seal in wonderful and only surpassed by the... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 6 more reviews by bama74 for San Juan
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Top Contributor
80 reviews 80 reviews
Reviews in 22 cities Reviews in 22 cities
40 helpful votes 40 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 10, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Tours seem to happen in English and Spanish at 9:00A and 10:00A. The loveliest staff EVER! Wonderful guides show you the grounds of the property while a security guard "shadows" the group. Gorgeous vista's of San Juan Bay, beautiful Formal Sunken Gardens with Moorish Tiled fountain and their guides can answer almost any question imaginable. I've taken the tour twice... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 47 more reviews by GringaGrrrl for San Juan
Keerbergen, Belgium
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed March 16, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Busy shopping street full of souvenir and outlet shops. Great architecture though, but much better to see these late afternoon or evening. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 6 more reviews by Travelman-Tx for San Juan
Puerto Rico
Senior Contributor
30 reviews 30 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
25 helpful votes 25 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 13, 2012
3
people found this review helpful

A must see. The majority of the Puerto Ricans have ever seen this magnificent palace. It is the house of the Governor, so you may imagine how beautiful it is. Schedule a visit, either with a tour guide in English or Spanish. They have the tours every hour and a donation of $3 is what they ask for. Plan for... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 10 more reviews by Edwin_Almodovar for San Juan
crete
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed February 29, 2012

i took a tour of this twice. the 1st time was very informative but seemed to drag on & on. the 2nd time i had a different tour guide and he was WONDERFUL. he gave the history . he allowed you to roam alone and see what interested you . it was wonderful old san juan is like walking the... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Calgary, Canada
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
19 helpful votes 19 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed February 27, 2012

Was really looking forward to a tour of La Fortaleza but we were informed that the tour was only of the gardens and did not actually go inside. Our guide was very knowledgeable and took the time to answer all our questions. Beautiful building and history. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 8 more reviews by ScPe for San Juan
Bancroft, On
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed February 20, 2012

We were amazed by the size of the fort and the large number of people that were gathered there without making you feel crowded or hurried. A great place to take children too. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by Joan F for San Juan

Travelers who viewed La Fortaleza - Palacio de Santa Catalina also viewed

Paseo de la Princesa
4.5 of 5 stars 98 Reviews
San Juan, Puerto Rico
El Morro (Castillo de San Felipe del Morro)
4.5 of 5 stars 756 Reviews
San Juan, Puerto Rico
 
El Viejo San Juan (Old San Juan)
4.5 of 5 stars 680 Reviews
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Castillo de San Cristobal
4.5 of 5 stars 311 Reviews
San Juan, Puerto Rico
 

Been to La Fortaleza - Palacio de Santa Catalina? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage La Fortaleza - Palacio de Santa Catalina, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing
See all sites
Cruise Critic

The ultimate cruise resource: cruise reviews, deals, news and advice.

SeatGuru

The world's most comprehensive source for airline seats, airline info, & in-flight amenities.

Family Vacation Critic

The best family vacations start here.

Get the #1 travel app FREE>>
Take TripAdvisor with you

Find 50 million reviews & opinions of hotels, things to do, restaurants and more

GET IT
Named "#1 Travel App" by Frommer's