Old San Juan Puerto Rico Beautiful Doors Edition

If you’re planning a trip to Puerto Rico, visiting El Viejo San Juan is a must. The old part of the island’s capital is rich in history and culture. Home to the famous El Morro, a 16th century citadel, it’s one of the most visited places on the island. But Old San Juan isn’t just impressive because of its history, delicious food, and local shops; it’s also beautifully structured.

Prior to becoming a North American colony, Puerto Rico belonged to Spain for hundreds of years. Thus, it’s no surprise that its architecture is similar to that of Spanish cities. Another great reason to take the time to stroll these history-filled cobbled streets is to enjoy the way buildings and residences are painted, in contrast to their doors. It’s incredible to see how these wooden barriers bring every nook and sidewalk to life. If you’re ever in the area, check them out for yourself!
The wooden door above, with the Puerto Rican flag, is amongst the most impressive.

El Viejo San Juan is a compilation of doors that give life to its streets, which adds to its ever continuous history.

Potted plants are often added to give an otherwise cement-ridden street some perspective.

It is quite easy to distinguish where one building ends and the other begins because they are painted in vibrant, eye-catching colors.

These doors are so beautiful that they almost seem to tell a story of their own, and what lies behind them is a secret as intangible as their charm.

All images © Gabrielle Thurin unless otherwise noted.

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