Cruceta del Vigía, Ponce

Perched atop the rolling hills of Ponce, Puerto Rico, Cruceta del Vigía proudly stands as a historic watchtower and a beacon of cultural heritage. This iconic sight, a towering cross-shaped structure, offers a panoramic view of the city and the Caribbean Sea. Built in the early 19th century, the original wooden watchtower served as a lookout for incoming ships and potential dangers.

The current Cruceta del Vigía is a more modern iteration, constructed to withstand the test of time and to continue the legacy of its wooden predecessor. It is a prominent landmark, not just for its historical significance but also for the breathtaking vistas it provides. Visitors can climb to the observation deck at the top of the cross, where they are greeted by sweeping views of the city of Ponce, the verdant landscape, and the sparkling blue waters beyond.

Adjacent to the Cruceta del Vigía is the Serralles Castle, an elegant mansion once owned by the Serralles family, known for their sugar cane plantation and the production of the famous Don Q rum. The castle and the cross are part of a larger cultural complex, which includes beautifully landscaped gardens and a museum dedicated to the history of the sugar industry and rum production in Puerto Rico.