El Vigía Hill seems to loom around every corner in the jumble of narrow streets in Ponce’s historic center. Topped with the enormous Cruceta del Vigía and the exquisite mansion Castillo Serrallés, the northern Ponce border of El Vigia Hill is visible from all over the city. Make your way to its summit to find a vantage point that is entwined with Ponce’s colonial heritage.
As you make your way up the winding roads that lead up the slopes of the hill, note the varying architecture of the houses and villas. Preserved 19th-century structures and striking 20th-century designs line the streets. The crowning feature of the hilltop is Castillo Serrallés, a lavish Spanish Revival mansion built for the wealthy owner of a rum distillery in the late 1930s. This icon of Puerto Rico’s rum and sugar boom overlooks the city from the hill’s southeastern slope.
Behind the mansion at the hill’s 300-foot (91-meter) peak is the Cruceta del Vigía. This enormous concrete cross was built in the 1980s to replace the former wooden crucifix. You can ascend the 100-foot (30-meter) structure in an elevator and reach its observation deck. Take in sweeping views of the city limits and find out about the hill’s history. In 1801, the order arrived from Spain that a fort would be built on this site to prevent ships from unloading their cargo or sending out invading forces from the island’s south coast. Look out across the Caribbean Sea and imagine the 19th-century watchmen searching the horizon for ships. Visit after nightfall to see unforgettable views of Ponce’s twinkling city lights.
Walk to the southern side of the summit to find a pretty Japanese Garden (Jardin Japonés). Stroll around the scenic pathways and admire the masterful bonsai plantings. Little bridges pass over ponds and streams, which give the gardens a relaxing atmosphere.
El Vigía Hill is located to the north of Ponce’s historic center. Reach the hilltop by car or taxi within 10 minutes or make the 30-minute journey on foot. The hilltop is free to visit however, the observation deck and El Museo Castillo Serrallés have admission fees.