El Capitolio de Puerto Rico--Historic Places in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands; A National Register of Historic Places Travel Itinerary

El Capitolio de Puerto Rico
Photo courtesy of the Puerto Rico Office of Historic Preservation

For Puerto Ricans, El Capitolio de Puerto Rico stands as a powerful symbol of self-government. Former resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico Luis Muñoz Rivera promoted the idea of constructing a capitol building as early as 1907; later he was the prime mover in seeking the capitol building's construction between 1925 and 1929. The dome, however, was not completed until 1961. Although Puerto Rican architect Rafael Carmoega designed this magnificent Neoclassical Revival style building, many other famous Puerto Rican artists--Rafael Rios Rey, José Oliver, Jorge Rechani and Rafael Tufiño and others--collaborated on the capitol's interior design, which is highlighted by murals and mosaics depicting Puerto Rico's history.

El Capitolio de Puerto Rico is located astride the Ponce de León and Muñoz Rivera aves. in the area of Puerta de Tierra in San Juan, Puerto Rico. It still houses the Puerto Rico Legislature. Guided tours by appoinment only, Monday-Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm. Call 787-724-2030, exts. 2472, 2518 to make an appointment or for further information, visit the Legislature's website.