The Panteón Nacional Román Baldorioty de Castro (English: Román Baldorioty de Castro National Pantheon) is a tract of land in Barrio Segundo of the city of Ponce, Puerto Rico, originally designed as the city's cemetery, but later converted into what has come to be a famous burial place. Established in 1842, it is Puerto Rico's first (and only) national pantheon. It is the only cemetery dedicated as a museum in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. Prior to being dedicated as a Panteón Nacional, it was known as Cementerio Viejo or as Cementerio Antiguo de Ponce, and is listed under that name on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. The Pantheon is named after Román Baldorioty de Castro, a prolific Puerto Rican politician, and firm believer of Puerto Rican autonomy and independence. His remains are located here. The Pantheon also houses a small museum about the history of autonomism in the Island, and it is currently used both as a park and a venue for the expression of culture and the arts. It is called the Museo del Autonomismo Puertorriqueño.See Panteon Nacional Roman Baldorioty de Castro and all Ponce has to offer by arranging your trip with our Ponce trip planner.
Prior to being turned into a National Pantheon in 1991, it was known as Antiguo Cementerio de Ponce (Ponce's Old Cemetery), to differentiate it from the newer (though now also over 100 years old) Cementerio Civil de Ponce (Ponce Civil Cemetery). Built in 1842, after the design of Antonio Torruella, the cemetery was enlarged in 1864, following the design of Nieto Blajol Iglesia. It closed in 1918.
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Panteon Nacional Roman Baldorioty de Castro reviews
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Roman Baldority de Castro is a Puertorican hero. His tomb and that of the former mayor are in perfect condition however the rest of this old cemetery is overgrown and badly maintained.
Roman Baldority de Castro is a Puertorican hero. His tomb and that of the former mayor are in perfect condition however the rest of this old cemetery is overgrown and badly maintained. more »
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Established in 1842, it is Puerto Rico's first (and only) national pantheon. It is the only cemetery dedicated as a museum in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. The Pantheon is named Román Baldorioty de..... more
Established in 1842, it is Puerto Rico's first (and only) national pantheon. It is the only cemetery dedicated as a museum in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. The Pantheon is named Román Baldorioty de..... more »
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One star is a generous rating! I came from United States to visit this museum to investigate some genealogy information about my family. The website said that the museum was open Saturday, 9:00 am-2:00 pm. I traveled one hour from the town that I was staying and when I got to the museum, the gates were locked. I called their phone number, no answer. I went to Parque de Bombas Visitor’s center and they told me that the museum was supposed to be open. They mentioned that there is only one guide and that the person live nearby. I waited until 11:00 am and the museum’s employee did not show up to open the cemetery!!?? If the cemetery is currently not opening on Saturday’s, they need to update their website! Also, open dates/times should be posted outside the front gate of the museum. I wasted my time!!!! Also, the phone should have a recording indicating visiting dates/times. Employee getting paid and not showing to work, or he may be teleworking from his home today! 😜
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This was a very beautiful and informative site. Our guide walked through the cemetery with us and gave us the history of the cemetery. Parking was non existent. We parked on the sidewalk. Entry was free, tour guide spoke English, don't be fooled by the neighborhood.. this one is worth it.
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