As one of the oldest settlements on the island and home to the island’s oldest chapel, San Germán is steeped in Puerto Rican history. The delicate architecture of many homes reflects the city’s cultural heritage, while the presence of the Universidad Interamericana gives San Germán a college-town feel outside of the historic center. Travelers come here for a break from the beach and an opportunity to absorb the culture of what was once the western capital of the island. Though nightlife and accommodations are limited, San Germán is a great place to spend a day exploring the streets, soaking up history and culture.
From Hwy. 2 exit onto Rte. 122, then turn right onto C. Luna. Coming from Boquerón, La Parguera, or anywhere southwest of the city, follow Rte. 101 all the way into the old center of town. San Germán’s busy main street used to be called Calle Luna, but the government recently changed the name to Av. Universidad Interamericana. Like most sangermeños, Let’s Go still refers to the street as C. Luna. The two plazas sit a couple of blocks north of C. Luna. Many services are available around the western end of C. Luna, where the university is located, or near its eastern end, where Rte. 122 leads to a shopping plaza and Hwy. 2.
San Germán’s accommodations are relatively budget friendly, but don’t come looking for first-class rooms, as options are limited.
For groceries, stop by Mr. Special Supermercado, Rte. 102 Km 32.9, past the intersection with Rte. 122. (☎892-1098. Also has a Western Union. Open daily M-Sa 6:30am-9pm, Su 11am-5pm. AmEx/MC/V.)
Apart from the two exceptional churches, most of San Germán’s “sights” are actually private residences with exquisite architecture. Many are close to the main plazas—Plaza Francisco Quiñones, a quiet tree-lined area overshadowed by the enormous modern church, and Plazuela Santo Domingo, a slightly more active plaza just to the east. The most informative way to sightsee is to arrange a free tour through the tourist office ; if the office is closed, you can just wander the picturesque streets. Some of the more historically significant houses are described below.
Porta Coeli Chapel And Museum Of Religious Art. This orange structure on the southern edge of Plazuela Santo Domingo, known as “The Gate to Heaven,” is the oldest chapel in Puerto Rico, and the second-oldest religious building (only Iglesia San José in Old San Juan is older). The building was constructed in 1609 as a convent, but over time it slowly deteriorated, and by 1866 only the chapel remained. Finally, in 1949, the Puerto Rican Institute of Culture took control of the Porta Coeli and restored it to a recognizable shape, though only the columns, walls, and stairwell from the original remained. The chapel is no longer used for services, but it now houses a small museum of religious art. This collection of paintings and large santos are worth the visit; entering the chapel is one of the best ways to get in touch with San Germán’s extensive history. (At C. Ramos and C. Dr. Veve. ☎892-5845. Open W-Su 8:30am-noon and 1-4:30pm. $3, ages 6-11 and over 60 $2.)
Iglesia San Germán De Auxerre. Church fathers spared no expense in building the impressive Neoclassical Iglesia San Germán. The original wooden church was built in 1737 and reconstructed in the Neoclassical style in 1842. The church closes for most of the day, but it’s worthwhile to stop by just before mass in order to see the elegant interior, with its tall ceilings, side altars, numerous chandeliers, and colorful stained-glass windows. Dress nicely, as this is an operational church. (☎892-1027. Office on C. José Julian Acosta open M-F 8-11am and 1-3pm, Sa 8-11am. Mass M-Sa 7am and 7:30pm; Su 7:30, 8:30, 10am, 7:30pm.)
Museo De Arte Y Casa De Estudio Alfredo Ramírez De Arellano Y Rosell. On the way back from a walking tour through San Germán’s historic district, you may want to stop by this turn-of the-century home that now holds a small art and history museum. The collection contains oils with both Catholic and Taíno subjects. An upstairs room recreates a 19th-century parlor, while another contains indigenous relics and artwork. (C. Esperanza 7. ☎892-8870. Open W-Su 10am-noon and 1-3pm. Free; donations accepted.)
Universidad Interamericana. You can’t miss the presence of the Interamerican University in San Germán. Founded in 1912 as the Instituto Politécnico de San Germán, this is now the largest private university in Puerto Rico. The attractive campus on the western edge of town, off C. Luna, is a pleasant place to wander and absorb the hustle of student activity. The campus grounds include the only round chapel in Puerto Rico.
Considering the size of the university, San Germán has a remarkably tame nightlife scene, as most students head to Mayagüez or La Parguera for their nights out; during the summer don’t expect much nightlife at all. Los Tigres, C. Luna 6, at the main university entrance, is the student hangout. College kids shoot pool in the wooden house or chill on the porch with a beer, taking advantage of daily Happy hour specials. This is the place to bond with the younger crowd. (☎264-5504. Th live music. Happy hour daily 8pm-midnight; beer $1-1.50. Open Sept.-May M-W 11am-1am, Th-Sa 11am-2am; June-Aug. M-W 4pm-1am, Th-Sa 4pm-2am. MC/V.)
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