7 Points of Interest You Should Not Miss in Cabo Rojo’s Plaza

Cabo Rojo’s Plaza, Dr. Ramón Emeterio Betances y Alacán, is one of the most beautiful squares on the island, and overflows with beauty, history, culture, and fun. It’s a lovely place to enjoy a welcoming, educational, and delightful experience with the family. The next time you visit the city of Cabo Rojo, plan to make your way to the Plaza. We assure you that it will be an unforgettable experience.

Here are seven points of interest that should not be overlooked:

Aerial View of San Miguel Parish

1. San Miguel Archangel Parish: This majestic church, completed in 1783, is an example of stunning Spanish colonial architecture. Its façade and interior will transport you back in time, and the stained-glass windows and its religious works of art are worthy of admiration.
   

   Betances Mausoleum

2. Betances Mausoleum: The mausoleum of Dr. Ramón Emeterio Betances was established in 1920. Betances was a prominent physician, writer, abolitionist, educator, Freemason, and fighter for the independence of Puerto Rico, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic. He is considered the Father of the Puerto Rican Nation, and made great contributions to the history of Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, and Latin America.
   

   Cabo Rojo Obelisk

3. Cabo Rojo Obelisk: Built in 1961, it is one of the tallest obelisks in the Caribbean, and one of the first on our island. It is dedicated to the founders of Cabo Rojo, who in 1771 signed a petition to secede from San Germán. The initiative was led by Don Nicolás Ramírez de Arellano, who became the first mayor of the municipality.
   

   Candy & Coffee Kiosks

4. Typical Sweets and Coffee Kiosk: Here you can enjoy typical candies and sweets such as gofio, pilones, mantecaditos, guava, orange, sesame and many more. You can also indulge with a freshly prepared Puerto Rican coffee or hot chocolate.
   Ice Cream & Limbers Kiosk: Indulge in traditional Puerto Rican flavors at this ice cream shop, popsicles, and limbers. It is a perfect place to refresh yourself with these delicacies.
   

   Salvador Brau Monument

5. Salvador Brau y Ascencio Monument: One of the tallest monuments on the island, it was established in 1971 for the city’s 200th anniversary. This Puerto Rican hero was born in Cabo Rojo in 1842, and stood out as a historian, author, playwright, poet, journalist, essayist, and sociologist. His work, places him among the most privileged minds in Latin America.
   

   Mata con Hacha (Kill with Axe) Monument

6. Mata con Hacha (Kill with Axe) Monument: It was erected in 2021, for the celebration of the city’s 250th anniversary. It commemorates the battles fought by the people of Cabo Rojo “with axe in hand” to defend the Salt Flats (Las Salinas), which have been in continuous operation for over 512 years. In 1585, they were recaptured after a brief English occupation; and they were successfully defended against the attack of the people from Aguada in 1769.  From this battle arises the popular nickname of “Mata con Hacha” for the people of Cabo Rojo, and the beautiful beach El Combate Beach, located in front of the Combate Beach Resort, creators of the city’s drink “Mata Con Hacha”, based on the water melon fruit.
   

   Tommie Ramírez, Creator of the “Mata con Hacha” drink of Cabo Rojo @ Combate Beach Resort

   

   Excelsior Theater

7. After taking several selfies with your family, and tasting some of the typical sweets, ice creams, coffee or chocolate, we invite you to enjoy a movie at the bicentennial Excelsior Theater, one of the most unique movie theaters on the island.

The Plaza of Cabo Rojo and its surroundings represent Puerto Rican history, culture, and gastronomy, offering an educational and enriching experience for visitors of all ages. Be sure to include these points of interest in your itinerary when you travel to the charming tourist destination of Cabo Rojo, Capital of Domestic Tourism.