San German, Puerto Rico, was one of the first settlements on the island after the discovery of the New World by Columbus. It was attacked many times by the Taino natives, the French and the British, until the Spanish authorities decided to combine the two settlements of San German and Santa Maria de Guadianilla into one city. The official name of the city was Neuva Villa de Salamanca, but the residents continued to call it San German and so the name stuck.
There are plenty of accommodations to choose from when you decide to make this city your Caribbean vacation destination. Whether you want to stay in a hotel or a parador, you will have all the amenities of home at your fingertips. Plus, you can enjoy the ocean playground just outside your door and warm temperatures throughout the year. The best time to visit it during the winter months because this is when the weather is at its best. Other times of the year bring hurricanes and the rains of the rainy season.
Although you can immerse yourself in the culture of the island at any time, the best time for this is to visit when the carnivals and festivals take place. July is the month when you can take part in the Patron Celebrations and the Festival de la Pana. In September, San German celebrates the Anon Festival, but the most elaborate one of all is the Christmas Festival in December.
Take a walk back in time by visiting the historic district of the city. There are many homes here built in the Victorian style of architecture. Take a tour of the vaulted brick sewer system that dates back to 1835 and still is in excellent working order.
Porta Coeli, a convent church built by the Dominican Order is one of the oldest churches in the Western Hemisphere. This church is also the location for the Museum of Religious Art with paintings and relics dating back to the 17thand 18thcenturies. Another popular tourist attraction is that of San German de Auxerrre, a church that straddles two plazas. It was originally built in the 16thcentury but was restored following damages it sustained in an earthquake in 1737.
You certainly wont be hungry in San German with the extensive collection of restaurants that it boasts. You do have to sample the churrasco offered on the menu of Mikes Steak House, an institution in the city because it has been in operation for three decades. Whatever cuisine you crave, you will find it here.
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