The Best View In Puerto Rico. Visiting The Watchman Cross

Last Updated on February 8, 2023 by Left Lane

Sitting high atop the hill (Cerro del Vigía) in Ponce, Puerto Rico is the Cruceta del Vigía (or The Watchman Cross). Built in 1984, and coming in at 100’ feet tall. The 10 story tall, Cross Shaped Tower is visible for miles around.

When in Puerto Rico, we flew into San Juan (SJU) International Airport. Where we rented a car, and drove across the island to the City of Ponce. 

We stayed at the beautiful Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort, with a beach view on the Caribbean Sea. As we approached our resort we could see the Cruceta del Vigía (the Watchman Cross) looming like a lone sentinel high above the city.

The stunning view from our room at the Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort in Ponce Puerto Rico. Overlooking the gorgeous Caribbean Sea. This particular resort in the Hilton chain had 4.5 – out of 5 star review at the time of our stay on Booking.com. Thanks to the abundance of activities, and great food, it was easy to see why

The outstretched arms of Cruceta del Vigía is actually a visitors sky bridge. Which offers some of the most amazing views over the second largest city in Puerto Rico. The arms stretch through the air for 70’ feet.

The View from the top of Cerro del Vigía. It was a rainy day when we visited The Watchman Cross, so visibility to the Caribbean Sea was partially blocked due to clouds

The hill which the Watchman Cross sits atop is known locally as Cerro del Vigía. The locals have been using it for its excellent vantage point since the early 1800’s.

As you drive to the top of Cerro del Vigía. The road takes you down some of Ponce, Puerto Rico’s narrow one way streets on your journey to the top of the hill

In the exact place where Cruceta del Vigía now stands, was once a small hut, and a wooden cross used as a lookout post. From the top of which an island guard would keep lookout over the city.

A Replica of the original Wooden Watchman Cross that stood at the top of Cerro del Vigía for nearly 200 years. From where a lookout would maintain a watch over the city of Ponce. Maintaining constant surveillance, protecting the city from potential threats. This wooden replica is located at the base of Cruceta del Vigía

The Watchman on duty kept watch for Pirates, Invaders, and Merchant ships approaching from the water. He would then use a flag warning system to notify either the Military to ready for battle, or the local Merchants to be prepared to do trade. 

The Cruceta del Vigía is a modern day memorial, and a testament to the brave men who stood watch, and protected the island from threats. rom the top of Cerro del Vigía.

The Original Photo of Cruceta del Vigía (The Watchman Cross) from the story post.

For the Google Maps location, and to plan your very own visit to see the Cruceta del Vigía during your next visit to Puerto Rico, CLICK HERE

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