This is a NANO-cache, for a fast and easy hunt. Bring your own pen/pencil. Come and visit San Germán, the second oldest city of Puerto Rico, after San Juan. Enjoy its history and beautiful architecture!
Built in 1606 the Porta Coeli ("Gateway to Heaven") cathedral is one of the oldest church structures in the western hemisphere. Located in San German, Puerto Rico, it was restored by the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture and now serves as a museum of religious paintings and wooden carvings dating back from the 18th and 19th centuries. There are also some interesting examples of architecture and architectural details in and near the city's plaza (Source: Wikipedia).
San Germán, founded in 1573, is one of the oldest towns on the island and is one of only two that are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Its isolation has helped preserve its unique character, readily evident on its plazas and quaint streets. Today it is a university town, with Puerto Rico's Inter American University located on a beautiful campus. You'll want to see the many well-preserved historic homes near Porta Coeli, the coffee plantation, and the impressive San Germán de Auxerre Church (Source: http://www.gotopuertorico.com/puerto-rico-porta-coeli.php).
Porta Coeli Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8:00 AM -12:00 M and 1:00 PM to 4:20 PM. There is a $ 3.00 fee for the entrance. The Convento de Porta Coeli is located in the Plaza Porta Coeli at Ramas and Dr. Veve streets in the San Germán Historic District. It contains many of its original furnishings as well as a collection of religious art that includes colonial paintings and wooden statues dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Among its treasures is an altarpiece by José Campeche, the first-and by many considered to be the greatest-artist born in Puerto Rico (Source: http://www.gotopuertorico.com/puerto-rico-porta-coeli.php).
HOW TO GET THERE: Take road 2 from Mayaguez or from San Juan. From Road 2 exit on Road 122. The church is located in the center of the town. You can park on the streets in front of Porta Coeli church or go to the parking area at the NE side of the church located at N18 04.934 W67 02.430
Use your better tourist/photographic stealth mode; there is a guardian in the area, lots of muggles visiting, and muggles looking from their houses. Put only your initials in the logsheet. Enjoy!!!