Restoration work at the San Juan Cathedral is moving along.

The Cathedral’s restoration benefited from a new $7.4 million obligation. 

By THE STAR STAFF

As part of efforts to recover and preserve Puerto Rico’s historical heritage, Eduardo Soria Rivera, the executive director of the Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction and Resilience (COR3), visited the restoration work at the Metropolitan Cathedral and Minor Basilica of San Juan Bautista in Old San Juan. The restoration project is funded with $18.1 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

“In line with Governor Jenniffer González Colón’s policy to advance projects rebuilding infrastructure supporting religious tourism in Puerto Rico, we reaffirm our commitment to ensure all processes are coordinated, respect heritage value, and protect a structure that has witnessed centuries of history and attracts many island visitors,” said Soria Rivera.

The restoration team is carrying out the project in two phases. They address problems caused by excess moisture in the structure, work to stabilize and preserve the building for many years, and protect important historical features, such as unique architecture and art. The project also aims to help the structures withstand and stay safe from major storms or other severe weather in the future.

The Cathedral’s restoration benefited from a new $7.4 million obligation. This follows the governor’s efforts in Washington, D.C., to secure $1.9 billion in federal reconstruction funds.

The Cathedral of San Juan, over 500 years old, is a key symbol of Puerto Rico’s history, faith, and cultural identity. It is a world-renowned architectural heritage site and a landmark for residents and visitors of Old San Juan.

Walmer Martínez, Director of Restoration and representative of the Main Catholic Restoration Office of Puerto Rico, said, “The major restoration and reconstruction project of the Catholic Church in Puerto Rico, which began last March at the Metropolitan Cathedral and Minor Basilica of St. John the Baptist in Old San Juan, is already showing results. The progress reaffirms the commitment of the Catholic Extension Society and the Main Catholic Restoration Office of Puerto Rico to this important historic building.”

The team conducts remedial work, such as wall repairs and evaluations of building systems, to minimize moisture entering the structure. Workers fix cracks and joints in the exterior brickwork and decorative ledges, called cornices. The roof is covered with waterproof layers to protect and preserve historical interior features, including wall paintings known as frescoes, large wall artworks called murals, and other unique architectural details. The team ensures that all work complies with historic preservation rules and collaborates with experts in heritage conservation.

Martínez noted that this project repairs damage from Hurricane Maria in 2017 and from age. It aims to strengthen the infrastructure and create a safer, more welcoming space for parishioners. This effort will impact about 600 church facilities on the island.

The project in San Juan continues as part of a technical and design evaluation. This evaluation will determine the next steps for the second phase of permanent repairs.