The second oldest settlement in Puerto Rico, San german is 16 km from the Cabo Rojo Peninsula, and an hour's drive from Ponce. Founded in 1512, the city is home to the oldest church under US jurisdiction, and an array of period architecture - 36 acres of San Germán's historic centre are on the National Register of Historic Places.Despite this distinction, a sense of neglect and indifference to history pervades the town. Its architecture seems very much in disrepair, and the nearly 39,000 residents don't seem particularly proud of the heritage. The greatest signs of life on the ancient stone and brick streets and plazas are skater kids, and locals seem far more interested in the strip of fast-food joints, shops and bars on Calle Luna, a block off the main squares. San Germán is so easy to reach from Ponce, however, that if you're in the southwest it's worth a trip here just to see the churches and dine on some of the island's best food at Café Cilantro. Hotels in San German |