Arecibo

Puerto_Rico

  • Arecibo Harbor The Arecibo Harbor is managed by the Puerto Rico Ports Authority.
  • Cathedral of Saint Philip the Apostle Cathedral of Saint Phillip Apostle Arecibo is one of the oldest colonial towns in Puerto Rico (1616). Among its historic buildings is the Cathedral of Saint Phillip Apostle, built beginning in the late 18th century. The first church, built in the middle of the 17th century, was destroyed by an earthquake in 1787. Construction of its replacement began soon after, although it was not completed until 1846. Four days after its dedication, an earthquake seriously damaged it. Repairs were not completed until 1882. The 1918 earthquake damaged the vault so badly that it was replaced by a flat concrete roof; a vaulted ceiling of composition board was placed inside.

The cathedral of Arecibo is Puerto Rico's second-largest church after the Cathedral of San Juan. The plan is rectangular with three naves; the side naves are cut short to allow large flanking chapels, which occupy almost half the length of the church. The apse is semicircular, and has an unusual half-dome covering it. The facade is a triangular composition of three stages. The top stage, a short central tower, is a later addition, according to local architects and historians. Neoclassic ornamentation is used in an academic fashion on the lowest stage, but the other two show a less traditional use of bands and pilasters. The Renaissance-style windows are uncommon in Puerto Rican churches, but the central tower over the entrance is a common motif used throughout the island.

  • City Hall City Hall The City Hall, built in 1866, served as jail to revolutionaries of El Grito de Lares in 1868. In the 1918 earthquake, the frontal section of the building was destroyed. When repairs were made, a tower and clock were added to the building. In 1978, the building was restored to its original form. The City Hall of Arecibo is typical of these regional seats of government. It is relatively modest in size, of stuccoed masonry, with an academically correct composition, having a pedimented center pavilion which projects slightly. The lower story is rusticated, with arched openings; the three doorways in the center giving the effect of a loggia. The upper windows all have segmental pediments and balconies; the central trio share one long balcony. Architectural detailing is modest, but the building is graceful and charming.
  • Punta Los Morrillos Lighthouse In 1898 the Spaniards built the Arecibo Lighthouse. It was automated in 1964 and is still in use. A small park, Arecibo Lighthouse and Historical Park, has been established around it.
  • Arecibo Observatory The Arecibo Observatory is the largest single-unit radio telescope ever constructed and one of the world's most powerful radar-radio telescopes. The observatory's purpose is to support scientific studies. It has attracted several Hollywood directors who have filmed there; most recently GoldenEye and Contact. The radio telescope was used in 1974 to send the Arecibo message to space.
  • Cambalache Forest Reserve Punta los Morrillos lighthouse Edificio Oliver, listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places Forest between Arecibo and Barceloneta.
  • Casa Ulanga Originally a residence built by Spanish immigrant Francisco Ulanga, it has served multiple uses. It was later used as a bank, store, city hall of Arecibo, hospital, jail, tribunal, and is now operated as the Arecibo Cultural Center.
  • Cueva del Indio Cueva del Indio from the air, 1967 Archeological site where Taíno drawings can be found.
  • Christopher Columbus statue The "Birth of the New World" statue depicts Christopher Columbus is located in Arecibo. 295ft. The statue is the work of Russian sculptor Zurab Tsereteli, and it is the tallest statue in the Americas.
  • Dos Bocas Lake Reservoir located between the municipalities of Arecibo and Utuado.
  • Paseo Victor Rojas (Victor Rojas Walk) Also known as Paseo de Damas or simply El Fuerte, it was built in 1881 where Fort San Miguel's ruins once were.
  • Manuel "Petaca" Iguina Coliseum Home of the Arecibo Captains basketball team.
  • Beaches Nearby beaches include Los Morillos, Los Negritos, Poza del Obispo, and Las Tunas.
  • Museum of Art and History of Arecibo Shows art from local artists and shows the city's history.

Also nearby is a facility for launching sounding rockets. Since 1966 many rockets of the Nike Apache, Nike Javellin, Nike Iroquois, Nike Tomahawk, Black Brant, Taurus Orion, and Terrier Orion types have been launched from this facility.