Parque de las Palomas in Viejo San Juan was originally a rampart for cannon emplacement, nestled between Las Palmas and La Concepción bastions, and was constructed during the 18th century. It sits on top of a section of the city wall that once surrounded Viejo San Juan and is now named for the hundreds of pigeons that live there.
For many years families have brought children to the park to feed the pigeons (as well as to see the many iguanas that also live there) and enjoy the views of the harbour. From the park La Princesa and the Coast Guard base can be seen.
Bronze shoes can be seen throughout the park. They are said to have been installed by the second female mayor of San Jaun, Sila Maria Calderon, to honour both the first female mayor of San Juan, Felisa Rincon de Gautier, and a former governor of Puerto Rico, Rafael Hernandez Colon. Both Felisa and Rafael worked to aid the poor and one of the things they did was to provide shoes for those who could not afford them. The bronze shoes were to be a reminder and honour of their work.
SOURCES:
- https://www.answers.com/Q/Why_are_there_bronze_shoes_in_Capilla_is_el_Parque_de_las_Palomas_San_Juan_Puerto_Rico?#slide=8
- Information signs in Parque de las Palomas
