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HISTORY
During Spanish colonial times most of San Juan’s urban population resided in what is now known as Old San Juan. The main part of the city is characterized by narrow cobblestone streets and picturesque colonial buildings, some of which date back to the 16th and 17th century. Sections of the old city are surrounded by massive walls and several defensive structures and notable forts, most notably both Fort San Felipe del Morro and the Castle of San Cristóbal. San Juan features a colorful mix of historic ambiance with modern cultural and entertainment amenities ranging from a vibrant night life and fabulous restaurants to great shopping and leisurely strolls on smooth beaches – or boarding a cruise ship at one of the world’s busiest cruise ports.
BUSINESS
Originally called Ciudad de Puerto Rico ("Rich Port City"), San Juan is a vibrant port city. In fact, the ports of San Juan and Jacksonville are closely linked: more than 75 percent of all the ocean-borne cargo shipped between Puerto Rico and the U.S. mainland moves through Jacksonville, more than any other U.S. port. Puerto Rico also is Jacksonville’s No. 1 trading partner. One goal of the two cities “twinning” is to create new personal relationships which may lead to more business, both port and non-port related.
EDUCATION
San Juan is a major center of education for Puerto Rico.
The city is home to the University of Puerto Rico Río Piedras Campus, the oldest and largest university in Puerto Rico. The city also houses the University of Puerto Rico's Medical Sciences Campus, the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music, the University of the Sacred Heart, the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, the Metropolitan Campus of the Inter American University of Puerto Rico, the Center for Advanced Studies on Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, and many other educational institutions. Combined with cultural offerings such as the Museum of Contemporary Art of Puerto Rico, San Juan offers tremendous opprtunties for educational and cultural exchanges.
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