Cuartel de Ballajá

Cuartel de Ballajá (Calle Norzagaray beside Plaza del Quinto Centenario near the entrance to El Morro [1], Old San Juan) is a massive structure that once housed 1,000 Spanish soldiers. Built in 1854, the former barracks are three levels high with interior balconies and a dizzying series of arches that overlook an enormous courtyard.

Cuartel de Ballajá was the last major building constructed by the Spanish in the New World. Today it houses the Museo de Las Americas [2], featuring a fantastic folk art collection.