Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of St John the Baptist of Puerto Rico

Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of Saint John the Baptist of Puerto Rico

The Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of Saint John the Baptist, officially known as the Minor Basilica of Saint John the Baptist and Parish of Our Lady of Remedies, stands as the Catholic cathedral for the Archdiocese of San Juan de Puerto Rico. Situated in the historic Old San Juan district, it holds the distinction of being one of the oldest buildings in Puerto Rico and the Americas. It is recognized as the oldest purpose-built cathedral church in the Americas and the third cathedral constructed on the continent.

History and Construction

The history of the cathedral dates back to 1513 when the original wooden structure was built to serve as the seat of the first Catholic Diocese established in the Americas. This initial building was destroyed by a hurricane in 1529. Construction of a stone edifice commenced from 1535 to 1542, with the original structure completed in the latter half of the 16th century, exhibiting Gothic architectural elements. Subsequent earthquakes led to significant renovations, with a major reconstruction in 1802 resulting in its current Baroque style iteration. Further modifications to the facade occurred in 1905 after an earthquake in 1867.

Religious and Historical Significance

The cathedral is a repository of significant historical and religious figures and artifacts. It contains the tomb of Juan Ponce de León, the Spanish explorer and founder of San Juan, as well as the tombs of Alonso Manso, the first bishop of San Juan, and Juan Alejo de Arizmendi, the first native-born Puerto Rican bishop. It also houses the national shrine to Our Lady of Divine Providence, the patroness of Puerto Rico, and a shrine dedicated to Blessed Carlos Manuel Rodríguez Santiago, the first Puerto Rican layperson to be beatified.

Designation and Notable Features

In recognition of its historical and religious importance, the cathedral was proclaimed a minor basilica by Pope Paul VI on January 25, 1978. The building features several chapels, including the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, the Chapel of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and the Chapel of Our Lady of Divine Providence, which contains the national shrine. The Baptistery Chapel holds relics of Blessed Carlos Manuel Rodríguez Santiago, and the Chapel of Pius I contains relics of Pope Pius I and vestments used by Pope John Paul II during his 1984 visit. The Altar de la Patria, located in the oldest remaining Gothic vault chamber, commemorates the first use of the term "puertorriqueño".