Founded in 1692, Puerto Rico's second-largest city is Ponce, located 90 minutes from
San Juan on the southern coast of the island. Ponce has historical museums, a main square, ancient cathedral, many restored colonial-era buildings and a number of mansions and villas on the outskirts of the city.
Ponce was named after Loiza Ponce de Leon, great-grandson of Juan Ponce de Leon. A 444 million renovation nearly 10 years ago in celebration of Columbus 500th anniversary restored the city to its once premier status. It is today, Puerto Rico's principal shipping port on the Caribbean Sea.
Ponce is part of the Ponce, Puerto Rico metro area.