Arecibo is one of the oldest colonial towns in Puerto Rico ( 1616 ) . Among its historic buildings is the Cathedral of Saint Phillip Apostle , built beginning in the late 18th century . The first church , built in the middle of the 17th century , was destroyed by an earthquake in 1787 . Construction of its replacement began soon after , although it was not completed until 1846 . Four days after its dedication , an earthquake seriously damaged it . Repairs were not completed until 1882 . The 1918 earthquake damaged the vault so badly that it was replaced by a flat concrete roof ; a vaulted ceiling of composition board was placed inside
1918 earthquake
1918 San Fermín earthquake
Arecibo, Puerto Rico