
Capilla del Cristo Old San Juan
A 18th-century chapel built on ancient walls, commemorating a miracle and serving as a sanctuary for prayers of healing.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Limited opening hours

Capilla del Cristo Old San Juan
Best Time
Limited opening hours

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 18th-century chapel built on ancient walls, commemorating a miracle and serving as a sanctuary for prayers of healing.
"A tiny chapel built to celebrate a miracle, now filled with thousands of prayers for cures."

Check Opening Days First
Only open Tuesdays & religious days. Don't miss out! :calendar:
Modest Dress Appreciated
It's a place of worship, so dress respectfully. :pray:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Miracle Site
Cristo Street
Witness the spot of a 1753 miracle where a rider miraculously survived a fall, inspiring this chapel's construction.

Spanish Colonial Architecture
Old San Juan
Admire the charming 18th-century Spanish architecture, a beautiful contrast to the surrounding historic buildings.

Milagros Collection
Inside the chapel
See the touching display of tiny silver 'milagros' left by visitors, each representing a prayer for healing.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for a Peaceful Visit
Respectful Attire and Devotion
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Opening Days First
Only open Tuesdays & religious days. Don't miss out! :calendar:
Modest Dress Appreciated
It's a place of worship, so dress respectfully. :pray:
Near Parque de las Palomas
Easily combined with a visit to the pigeon park. :bird:
Leave a 'Milagro'
Consider leaving a silver token for healing wishes. :heart:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Opening Days First
Only open Tuesdays & religious days. Don't miss out! :calendar:
Modest Dress Appreciated
It's a place of worship, so dress respectfully. :pray:
Near Parque de las Palomas
Easily combined with a visit to the pigeon park. :bird:
Leave a 'Milagro'
Consider leaving a silver token for healing wishes. :heart:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Capilla del Cristo to be a beautiful, historically significant, and spiritually moving small chapel in Old San Juan. Its unique origin story and the touching display of 'milagros' are frequently highlighted. However, its very limited opening hours are a common point of frustration for those who miss it.
"Beautiful church with lots of history Ponce de Leon is buried there !"
The Chess Educator
"This chapel was built between 1753 and 1780, Tucked away in the corner of the old walled city of San Juan is a tiny chapel. It was built on top of the ancient stone walls that protected Puerto Rico’s capital in 1753 to celebrate a miracle. Since then, tens of thousands of faithful visitors have come to this humble chapel to pray for cures. it is near to famous La Fortaleza street.
As stated by guide - It is said, that in the year 1750 Cristo Street was host to a horse race where one of the participants could not stop his horse and fell off the cliff. The Secretary of Government at the time, Don Tomás Mateo Prats is said to have invoked the Santo Cristo de la Salud and that the young man who fell off the cliff was saved. And so, the Secretary of Government ordered the construction of the chapel on sight to honor the miracle. It was later revealed that the young man died, but still, this chapel has a distinctly spiritual feel to it. How to better start your journey than in this miracle sight!"
Sanjay Gupta
"This chapel nestled in the streets of old San Juan is a mandatory stop since it is located next to the Parque de las Palomas. It is very old, small and cozy in plain sight, with its virgins and crucifixes."
A. Mutis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The chapel is located on Cristo Street in the heart of Old San Juan. It's easily walkable from most points in the historic district. If you're coming from outside Old San Juan, consider a taxi or ride-share to the edge of the old city and then walk. Parking within Old San Juan can be challenging, so walking is often the best approach once you're in the area.
While there isn't direct public transport to the chapel itself, you can take a bus or taxi to the perimeter of Old San Juan and then enjoy a pleasant walk to reach it. The historic streets are best explored on foot.
Parking in Old San Juan is limited and can be expensive. The closest public parking garages are La Cochera and Doña Fela. From there, it's a short walk to the chapel.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee to enter the Capilla del Cristo. It is a small chapel that is open to visitors, though its hours are limited.
The chapel has very specific opening hours, typically only open on Tuesdays and religious holidays. It's crucial to verify the exact hours before your visit, as they can vary.
No, the chapel is not open every day. It is generally only accessible on Tuesdays and during religious observances. Always confirm the schedule beforehand.
As a place of worship, visitors are encouraged to dress modestly. While there isn't a strict enforcement, it's respectful to avoid overly revealing clothing.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted inside the chapel, but it's always best to be discreet and respectful of worshippers. Avoid using flash, especially during services or quiet moments.
The chapel itself, with its Spanish colonial architecture, is a great photo subject. The surrounding historic streets of Old San Juan also offer picturesque backdrops. The nearby Parque de las Palomas provides a different perspective.
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light for photography. However, since the chapel has limited hours, you'll need to work within its open times.
🎫 📜 History & Significance
The chapel was built between 1753 and 1780 to commemorate a miracle where a young rider survived a fall from his horse. It's situated on the ancient city walls and has been a site for prayers for cures for centuries.
While some reviews mention Ponce de Leon being buried there, historical records indicate the chapel was built to honor a miracle involving a rider named Baltazar Montanez. It's a place of devotion rather than a burial site for prominent figures.
'Milagros' are small silver or metal charms, often shaped like body parts, left by visitors as offerings or prayers for healing. They represent a cause of pain or a wish for recovery.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind the chapel's limited opening hours, so plan accordingly to avoid disappointment. The short visit is ideal for younger attention spans, and the peaceful atmosphere provides a nice contrast to the bustling streets. It's a good opportunity to discuss history and faith in a tangible way.
❤️ Couples and Spiritual Seekers
Combine your visit with a stroll through the charming streets of Old San Juan, perhaps enjoying a romantic dinner nearby. The chapel's historical significance and its role as a place of healing and hope provide a unique cultural and spiritual dimension to your visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Story of the Miracle
Although the young man later passed away, the chapel became a significant site for pilgrims seeking cures and miracles. Visitors have since adorned the chapel with thousands of tiny silver 'milagros,' each representing a prayer for healing for a specific ailment or body part. This tradition continues to this day, making the chapel a powerful symbol of faith and hope.
Architectural Charm and Preservation
The interior features an altar adorned with silver and gold leaf, and historically, it was decorated with oil paintings by the renowned Puerto Rican artist Jose Campeche. While much of the chapel's original modesty remains, the accumulation of 'milagros' adds a unique, personal layer to its historical significance. The chapel's location atop the ancient city walls also adds to its historical context, reminding visitors of San Juan's past as a fortified capital.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit