Alongside the Princess Promenade located just south of the city of Old San Juan, lies a beautiful pathway that will captivate anyone who has ever visited this stunning spot. You begin to breathe the air emanating from the ocean as you begin walking along the pathway. The imagery adorned so beautifully along with bronze statues where the green lushy mountains are seen from far way over the San Juan Harbor.
Is the place that represent a time in our past. The statue shown is a reminder on how Christianity began and to understand the way religion shaped the lives of islanders who had first settled on the island. The statues clearly illustrates a depiction of the culture and the origin if its people.
The impenetrable walls seen through your eyes, the massive thick ramparts reaching unprecedented heights of 40 feet. From high above the rampart lies the imagery of thick clouds hovering over the skies forming a shield that lies at the end. A time in history when Spanish defenders watched from small sentry boxes called "Garitas" the watchful eyes lurking through the small loophole ready to discharge their muskets.
At the end lies a perfectly situated monument "Fuente Raices" that shows a depiction of all three cultures of Puerto Rico. Luis Antonio Sanguino, A Spanish artist who masterly designed a monument that fully embodies all three cultures, Los Tainos, Africans and the Spanish. A perfect picture that bonds the three cultures in blood but yet, tells a narrative so well rooted in our past history.
Lastly, La Compania de Turismo, the beautiful colonial structure that stands on the pathway its truly a landmark of architectural beauty. But the history and stories are truly compelling for many who have yet to know the full truth behind these closed doors. Since 1837, we have all read and learned from historians the stories of prisoners who suffered agonizing moments of despair by the Spanish authorities.
When the island of Puerto Rico became a U.S territory, members of the national Party movement were incarcerated by disavowing the Gag Law enacted in 1947. This law prohibited anyone's freedom of expressions, or even in possession of the flag of Puerto Rico.
Prominent political figures like Pedro Albizu Campos, fought for freedom, independence and liberty for its People. Sadly, while serving time in jail, his frail body had suffered physical and mental torture by the US authorities. The life of Pedro Albizu Campos came to a final end in 1965.
Comments
