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Arecibo is a municipality in the northern midwest coast of Puerto Rico and located by the Atlantic Ocean, north of Utuado and Ciales; east of Hatillo; and west of Barceloneta, and Florida.

Arecibo is spread over 18 wards and Arecibo Pueblo (The downtown area and the administrative center of the city). Arecibo is located on the north coast of the island of Puerto Rico, about 80 kilometres (50 miles) west of San Juan, or approximately a 1-hour trip by car. It is the largest city in area in Puerto Rico and is part of the San Juan-Caguas-Guaynabo Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Arecibo is known as El Diamante Del Norte (North's Diamond) as well as La Ribera del Arecibo (The shore of Arecibo). Arecibo is also known as La Villa del Capitán Correa (Captain Correa's Villa) after the Puerto Rican hero Captain Antonio de los Reyes Correa, who as a member of the Spanish Army defended Arecibo from a British invasion led by Admiral Whelstone in August 5, 1702. The nearby Arecibo Observatory is known for housing the world's largest radio telescope. Arecibo is the head of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Arecibo.

Tourism

Landmarks and places of interest

• Cathedral of Saint Phillip Apostle

Cathedral of Saint Phillip Apostle

Arecibo is one of the oldest towns in Puerto Rico (1616) and as result has some antique structures. One of which is the Cathedral of Saint Phillip Apostle. The original church was built towards the middle of the 17th century and was destroyed by an earthquake in 1787, construction of a new one began soon after, although it was not completed until 1846. Four days after its dedication another quake seriously damaged it, and still in 1875 necessitated repairs were not completed until 1882. The 1918 earthquake damaged the vault so badly it was replaced by a flat concrete roof; a vaulted ceiling of composition board was placed inside.

The cathedral of Arecibo is Puerto Rico's second largest church after the Cathedral of San Juan. The plan is rectangular with three naves; the side naves are cut short to allow large flanking chapels which occupy almost half the length of the church. The apse is semicircular, and has an unusual half-dome covering it. The facade is a triangular composition of three stages, although the top stage, a short central tower, is a later addition, according to local architects and historians. Neoclassic ornamentation is used in an academic fashion on the lowest stage, but the other two show a less traditional use of bands and pilasters. The Renaissance style windows are uncommon in Puerto Rican churches, but the central tower over the entrance is frequently seen throughout the island.

• City Hall

Arecibo City Hall

The City Hall built in 1866, served as jail to "El Grito de Lares" participants in 1868. In 1918, the frontal section of the building was destroyed by an earth tremor. Repairs were made and a tower and clock were added to the building. In 1978, the building was restored to its original form. The City Hall of Arecibo is typical of these regional seats of government. It is relatively modest in size, of stuccoed masonry, with an academically correct composition having a pedimented center pavilion which projects slightly. The lower story is rusticated, with arched openings, the three doorways in the center giving the effect of a loggia. The upper windows all have segmental pediments and balconies; the central trio shares one long balcony. Architectural detailing is modest but the building is graceful and charming.

• Punta Los Morrillos Lighthouse

In 1898 the Spaniards built the Arecibo Lighthouse which was automated in 1964 and is in use today. Today, there is a small park called Arecibo Lighthouse and Historical Park that surrounds the lighthouse.

• Arecibo Observatory

The Arecibo Observatory is the largest single-unit radio telescope ever constructed and one of the world's most powerful radar-radio telescope. While the observatory exists to support scientific studies, a number of Hollywood movies have been filmed there, most recently GoldenEye and Contact. The radio telescope was used in 1974 to send the Arecibo message to space.

• Cambalache Forest Reserve

Punta los Morrillos lighthouse

Forest between Arecibo and Barceloneta.

• Casa Ulanga

Originally a residence built by Spanish immigrant Francisco Ulanga, it was later used as a bank, store, city hall of Arecibo, hospital, jail, tribunal, and now the Arecibo Cultural Center.

• Cueva del Indio Cavern

Archeological site where Taíno drawings can be found

• Dos Bocas Lake

Reservoir between Arecibo and Utuado.

• Paseo Victor Rojas(Victor Rojas' Walk)

Also known as Paseo de Damas or simply El Fuerte, it was built in 1881 where Fort San Miguel's ruins once were.

• Manuel "Petaca" Iguina Coliseum

Home of the Arecibo Captains basketball team.

• Beaches

Nearby beaches include Los Morillos Beach, Los Negritos Beach, Poza del Obispo Beach, Las Tunas Beach.

• Museum of Art and History of Arecibo

Shows art from local artists and shows the city's history.

Festivals and events

• Bicycle Competitions - January
• Arecibo Carnival - February
• Patron Festivities San Felipe Apóstol - May
• Playero Festival - July
• Folklore Festival - July
• Craftsman Fair - September
• Ceti Festival - November
• Puerto Rico's Flag Centennial - December

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