Which architect was responsible for designing the building standing on the original site of a Spanish explorer, conquistador, and first Governor of Puerto Rico?
Juan Ponce de León Juan Ponce de León (] ; 1474 – July 1521) was a Spanish explorer and "conquistador". He became the first Governor of Puerto Rico by appointment of the Spanish crown. He led the first known European expedition to "La Florida", which he named during his first voyage to the area in 1513. Though in popular culture, he was supposedly searching for the Fountain of Youth, there is no contemporary evidence to support the story, which is likely a myth.
La Fortaleza La Fortaleza (The Fortress) is the current official residence of the Governor of Puerto Rico. It was built between 1533 and 1540 to defend the harbor of San Juan. The structure is also known as Palacio de Santa Catalina (Santa Catalina's Palace). It is the oldest executive mansion in continuous use in the New World. It was listed by UNESCO in 1983 as part of the World Heritage Site "La Fortaleza and San Juan National Historic Site".