La Capilla del Santo Cristo (Old San Juan, Puerto Rico)

The Capilla del Santo Cristo (also called la Capilla del Cristo or la Capilla del Santo Cristo de la Salud) located in the colonial city of Old San Juan is one of the most recognized historical and religious landmarks of Puerto Rico. This small, yet charismatic chapel has a unique origin story that traces back to 1753.

Legend has it that during a horse race held in the Calle Cristo in Old San Juan in 1753, a young rider named Baltasar Montañez los control of his horse and fell down the precipice at the end of the street.

It is said that after witnessing this event, the Spanish Secretary of Government at the time, Tomás Mateo Prats, invoked the Saint Christ of Good Health (el Santo Cristo de la Salud), an act that saved the young racer's life. To show his gratitude for such a miracle, Tomás Mateo Prats ordered the construction of the Capilla del Santo Cristo on the site where this event unfolded. 

In present times, the Capilla del Santo Cristo is decorated with a silver altar that dates back to the seventeenth century and a painting by the renowned puertorrican painters, José Campeche. This historical and religious monument has been cared for and protected by a group called the The Sisterhood of the Holy Christ of Health (La Hermandad del Santo Cristo de la Salud) which allow visitors only on Thursdays and on special religious dates.

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Where is the Capilla del Santo Cristo located? Click the map bellow!