The Cuartel de Ballaja, largest Spanish building in Old San Juan was built as a barracks for soldiers between 1854 and 1864. It was the last military construction project the colonizers undertook in the New World. At its peak it housed over 1,000 soldiers and their families. It had storage areas, dining halls and even stables for horses. When the Americans took over they also used it, first as barracks and then later as a hospital.
Cuartel de Ballaja is a cultural center
Today, this building, located at the entrance to El Morro fort, is a multi-use facility. The immense inner courtyard hosts the artisans fair during the San Sebastián Festival along with different cultural events during the year.
Frozen wine cocktail or an espresso anyone?
The Cuartel or Ballaja as it’s called locally, also has a few permanent attractions. On the ground floor there’s a wine gelato shop where you can beat the heat with a refreshing frozen wine treat. They also have stronger rum and whiskey flavors and non-alcoholic options available. There’s also a café for your espresso, pannini sandwich or croissant for breakfast or lunch. They have outdoor tables so you can take in the immensity of the building over coffee or tea.
A brief history of the Americas
One of the more interesting offerings is the Museum of the Americas. Their second floor collection gives you a brief overview of the precolombian people who inhabited the Caribbean, and what is now South America. You’ll see artifacts, costumes, musical instruments and more from thousands of years ago all the way to recent times.
It’s an overview with just enough info and visuals to keep everyone in your group interested. Another exhibit hall features a collection highlighting the African influences in the New World. There’s also an exhibit of folk art throughout the Americas and an exquisite collection of “Santos de Palo” or carved saints, a centuries old folk tradition in Puerto Rico.
Open Tuesday thru Friday 9 am to 4 pm. (Closed from 12m to 1pm) and Saturday and Sunday form 11am to 4pm. Museodelasamericas.org
Experience the art scene in Puerto Rico
Art exhibits are also held at Ballajá. About every 6 months a different artist, artist collective or retrospective will be featured in three different exhibit halls. These can include sculptures, artwork and even audio video art. It’s a good way to experience the Puerto Rico art scene.
Take a rum break with Ron Artesano at Casa Artesano
The most recent arrival at Ballajá is Casa Artesano. Here the star is the up and coming Ron Artesano line of artisanal craft rums made in Puerto Rico. This unique space combines culture, cocktails and a small store where you can purchase Artesano Rums, locally grown and rolled cigars and more.
Savor some unique cocktails
The cocktails at Casa Artesano are specially designed to highlight each rum’s unique flavor profile. Ron Artesano is available in white, dark and Limited production bottles, each hand filled, labeled and made following a unique aging process.
The perfect welcome
When you arrive you are offered a neat sample of their products so you can experience what makes their take on this spirit so special and far away from your typical rum expectations. Then there are the cocktail suggestions that are offered by your hosts only after they explore your taste preferences. Their recommendations are usually spot on and, surprising. Their version of the Piña Colada is light years away from what you have probably experienced so far. The inclusion of fresh passion fruit juice gives this cocktail a truly refreshing makeover.
Their signature drinks
Other cocktails range from rum forward Old Fashions that highlight their Reserva Especial and the Carajo that includes coffee and the must try signature drink the citrusy Medianoche or Midnight cocktail that they describe as the perfect way to start the night.
The perfect stop before or after El Morro
Casa Artesano is on the north entrance to Ballajá right on the main road to El Morro. Their outdoor tables make it the perfect refueling stop after exploring this centuries old fort. Amazing view of the Atlantic and the trade winds give this spot an A+ for relaxing.
