Destination Guidebook for Ponce, Puerto Rico
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Ponce, Puerto Rico's second-largest city, is the birthplace of a long roster of Puerto Rican writers, statesmen, singers and poets. Known as the Ciudad Senorial (the Noble City) or La Perla del Sur (the Pearl of the South), Ponce has taken equal pride in its architecture. In the mid-1800s, Ponceno leaders used the profits from their vast sugarcane and coffee crops to construct ornate buildings for various civic, cultural and artistic institutions—turning downtown into a showplace. When Ponce's city economy waned in the 1930s, however, the buildings slid into disrepair.
Ponce has undergone a revival in the past decade or so, receiving millions of dollars from the Puerto Rican government—and some special assistance from Spain—to revitalize its wooden and plaster buildings, many of which are adorned with pillars, balconies and intricate latticework. The refurbishment campaign, known locally as Ponce en Marcha (Ponce on the Move), has had impressive results. In addition to its architecture, the Ponce also offers visitors a standout art museum and a picturesque boardwalk.
The southern city of Ponce is at the foothills of the Cordillera Central mountain range. You will definitely know when you're entering the city, because a few years ago, five monumental letters were constructed, spelling out "Ponce" in alternating black and red colors, positioned at the highway entrance to the city. Look out for the lions, too—concrete figures of lions representing Ponce's pride, history and tradition. The neoclassical architecture and European touches distinguish Ponce from other Puerto Rican cities.
In downtown historic Ponce, the central plaza includes fountains, the Cathedral, city hall, and the firehouse visitor center and museum. Heading out from the central plaza and north toward El Vigia Hill, you'll reach the Serralles Castle and the Vigia Cross, which has an observation tower with spectacular views of the city and coastline. When you venture outside the historic zone, hop aboard a trolley, horse and carriage, or train tour, and visit La Guancha, the city's boardwalk. Also just outside the downtown area are the Ponce Museum of Art and Plaza del Caribe shopping center. Other options include venturing out to the Tibes Indian ceremonial site or visiting a coffee plantation in Adjuntas. Ponce was founded in 1692 by Spanish conquistador Juan Ponce de Leon's great-grandson Loiza Ponce de Leon. Ponce was Spain's capital city of the southern region until 1898, when it fell to the U.S. In addition to being known as the Ciudad Senorial or La Perla del Sur, Ponce is also called the Ciudad de los Leones (City of the Lions), and there are many freestanding lion figures and sculptures throughout the city, especially in the downtown plaza and entrances to the city. The firehouse in Ponce, known locally as the Parque de Bombas, holds much history for the southern city, as do the firefighters of the station. While on duty in 1883, the firefighters served to put out a fire that nearly destroyed much of the southern coast. Today, many tourists flock to visit the red- and black-striped (the city's colors) station, which is now a main visitor attraction in the central plaza of the city; the station operated until 1990 before becoming a public museum.
The Ponce Museum, another historical gem, houses the largest art collection in the Caribbean and holds a sentimental place in the hearts of Puerto Ricans and Poncenos. It was founded by the island's late Gov. Luis A. Ferre, a highly regarded political figure and humanitarian. Ponce's history is also evidenced by the main plaza, which includes city hall, the oldest colonial building in the city, dating to the 1840s. Poncenos hold a great pride for their city and late Mayor Rafael "Churumba" Cordero, who served in the position from 1989 to 2004, when he died from a stroke. Francisco Zayas Seijo is Ponce's current mayor. Internationally known singer Ednita Nazario is a native of Ponce and considered by many to be a "Latin Diva" (http://www.ednita.com).
The town of Lajas, about a half-hour from Ponce, attracts locals and UFO enthusiasts. The aerostat, a tethered blimp with a radar system operated by federal authorities, is said to inspire UFO lore in Lajas.
Quenepas are abundant in Ponce, a seasonal tropical fruit that is popular among many locals. Once the green outside is peeled off, the fruit looks like a melon ball, only with a pit.
The late Sor Isolina Ferre (Sister Isolina Ferre), a Ponce native born into the affluent, well-known and respected Ferre family, was a devout Christian and a Puerto Rican admired by citizens on the island and off. She was awarded by former U.S. President Bill Clinton with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1999.
Vassallo Industries is a family-owned, Ponce-based and worldwide leader in the production of PVC injection-molded and extruded goods—many of the plastic furniture and household goods made by Vassallo Industries are sold in mega retail stores such as Wal-Mart and Home Depot.
Mangoes grown in Ponce are one of Puerto Rico's juiciest exports. The tropical fruit is low in fat, high in vitamin A and calcium, is a great source of vitamins C and E, and is a sweet complement to many foods.
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Editor's Choice of Luxury, Deluxe, and Value priced hotels in Ponce, Puerto Rico:
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