Castillo San Cristóbal

After our visit to El Yunque we went to see the Castillo San Cristóbal. It was constructed in 1634 and was expanded over the years. It is the largest fort built by the Spanish in the New World. 

Upon entering the fort we got to see a Spanish Flag and a 16th century suit of armor.

We also got to see this beautiful 17th century Spanish Pappenheim Rapier with gorgeous details on the hilt and blade.

Max admiring the fort, which is significantly larger than the one in St. Augustine Florida.

Breathtaking views of the ocean and San Juan.

The view through one of the narrow windows.

St. Augustine with Max

Max and I went down to spend some time in St. Augustine. We wanted to check out all the Christmas lights and the Castillo de San Marcos. 

The lovely sunset from our hotel.

For dinner we were recommended to try the Ice Plant, an industrial building from 1927 that has been converted to a restaurant. I got the fall salad and it was incredible! 

Max with his delicious burger and truffle fries.

The Villa Zorayda Museum.

After dinner we went for a walk to see all the Christmas lights. 

The Plaza de la Constitucion.

Walking up to the Castillo de San Marcos.

The beautiful coat of arms on a cannon.

The Latin phrase “VIOLATI FVLMINA REGIS” which translates to “Thunderbolts from the Offended King”. 

Walking around the perimeter of the fort.

The Morse Museum 2024

I went to the Morse Museum for another look at all of the gorgeous stained glass.

A close up of all the textures that appear when you shift to the side of the piece.

A watercolor painting of tomatoes (above) and plums (below).

Some of the iconic Tiffany lamps.

These shades would hang off the lamp to help provide additional coverage from direct light. 

Old Time Walk by Worthington Whittredge, 1873.

The Chapel.

Beautifully detailed bracelets.

The Wreck by Lockwood de Forest, 1880.

The fountain outside perfectly lining up with the tile on the floor.

A lamp with its attached dragonfly shade.

An incredibly iridescent beetle lamp.