It was then that the four statues made of bronze and oil-coated to simulate marble, representing the Commerce, Industry, Science and the Arts, arrived here. Although the square had factually existed for centuries, it was not until 1840 that the city council approved its proper construction, which commenced in 1851. Nowadays it is known as Arms Square again.Īrms Square is the city’s de-facto central square, modeled on the classic squares of Madrid and Mexico. Then, by the early 20th century, it was back to Vegetables Square again, and used as a market. Then, during the 17th-19th centuries, it was known as Arms Square, for being the ground for military exercises. Initially, in 1521, it was called Vegetables Square. Over the years, it has changed several names relative to the functions it served. Outside the theater, along Fortaleza Street, there are a number of quaint restaurants and cute little cafes where one can sip some iced coffee outside whilst enjoying the sight of Columbus Square, the symbol of progress and testament of new and old San Juan!Īrms Square is one of the main squares in San Juan. Over the years, many notable performers have graced its stage. Inaugurated in 1824, this lovely piece of neoclassical architecture was initially known as the San Juan Municipal Theater. To the south of the square is a gem of Puerto Rican entertainment culture, the Theater Tapia. In 1893 the statue of Christopher Columbus was installed to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the discovery of Puerto Rico, upon which the square was renamed Colón, or Columbus Square. From 1862, several projects had been undertaken to refurbish the square until in 1870 it finally started to take its current shape. Encircled by stone walls in 1635-1641, the only way into the city was then through five gates, the centermost of which was Puerta de Santiago (the Land Gate), straddling the sole highway linking the walled San Juan islet to the rest of Puerto Rico by land.īy 1772 the open space adjacent to Puerta de Santiago had taken the shape of Santiago Square, albeit still unpaved at that time and long afterwards.
Originally known as Santiago Square, back in the 17th century this square literally marked the doorstep to the old town. Columbus Square is one of the most important squares in San Juan.