University of Puerto Rico Clock Tower – Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico
This is the clock tower of the Rio Piedras campus of the University of Puerto Rico (UPR). The University of Puerto Rico is a state university system, and the Río Piedras Campus is the oldest and largest unit within it.
I took this picture during my recent visit to Puerto Rico, when I decided to visit the School of Architecture to say hi to some of the staff and professors that were there during my six years of college life.
The symbolic Tower, constructed in 1937, received the name of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who at the time was President of the United States, in recognition of the interest and help he showed to the University and its construction.
Also at the entrance of the Tower, the coats of arms of the nations of the Americas appear in a bronze circle, as a symbol of Panamerican Union.
The clock tower was inspired by the Giralda, a former minaret that was converted to a bell tower for the Cathedral of Seville in Seville.
Sigh… I never though I would miss this college life…
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I love the UPR tower (and the interior of that building, too)- so beautiful!
I love it too! I think this is one of the most detail oriented buildings in the campus, compared to the modern/austere facades many of the buildings from the 60′s have. It’s interesting how all the Mudejar architectural details made it all the way to Puerto Rico, with an influence of Spain and the US, of course.
It’s a shame the Architecture School is at the other end of the campus, so I rarely spent time there. When I had the chance, I loved sitting in the green lawn in front of the tower. It’s a nice place to spend with friends.