Monument to Christopher Columbus - an ancient bronze sculpture depicting the famous discoverer of the American continent. The monument is located in the city of Santo Domingo opposite the Cathedral.
The monument to Christopher Columbus was created a long time ago - back in 1897, but it still amazes with its craftsmanship. The great navigator stands on a high pedestal and points with his hand somewhere into the distance. Just below Columbus is a tiny figurine of an Indian girl from the Taino tribe, which fills the monument with sad symbolism. The fact is that during their reign, the Spaniards almost completely destroyed the local population of the Dominican Republic, so the entire monument is perceived very ambiguously.
Coordinates: 18.47351400,-69.88397400
Presidential palace
The National Palace is the residence of the President of the Dominican Republic. The offices of the executive power are located here, meetings are held at highest level and the most important political and economic issues of the republic are being resolved.
The palace building was built in 1944-47. Italian architect Guido D'Alessandro. The cost of the project was huge for those times: about five million pesos, not counting the furniture and the land on which it is located. The architecture of the building looks somewhat eclectic, but such a concept was an attempt to reflect the cultural, racial, linguistic differences of those peoples who inhabit the Caribbean region. Some heaviness of the external appearance of the palace is compensated by the abundance of windows and doors in its facades. The majestic main entrance is decorated with a solemn colonnade.
The interiors of the National Palace are characterized by the influence of the classical style. In the decoration, local materials were used, the main ones being marble and mahogany. Bronze, iron, gypsum and steel were used in the decoration of the premises, a varied combination of which gives each individual room an atmosphere of extraordinary beauty and harmony. Especially beautiful are the Hall with Caryatids, the Hall of Ambassadors, the Green Hall. In the palace you can see paintings by artists of the neoclassical, Italian Renaissance and Baroque eras.
Of course, there is no access to the president's private quarters, but the rest of the "public" premises are open for inspection five days a week.
Coordinates: 18.47437900,-69.89774500
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Las Damas street
Calle de Las Damas ("Street of the Ladies") - the very first street in America, built, according to legend, at the request of the daughter-in-law of Christopher Columbus. It began to be built in 1502. The street starts at the fortress of Fortaleza Ozama and stretches to the Alcazar de Colon museum. Its original name is Calle de la Forteleza.
Diego Colón, son of Christopher Columbus, arrived with his wife in Santo Domingo in 1509, and all their court ladies arrived with them. They often walked along Las Damas Street to the temple for mass. Residents of the city constantly watched this company, which slowly walked along the street back and forth in order to take a walk and admire the local architecture. The strolling ladies caused the street to be renamed Calle de Las Damas.
Coordinates: 18.47671900,-69.81468900
Santo Domingo Las Americas Airport has the full name of Jos Francisco Peñ a Gó mez International Airoport. It is the second busiest airport in the Dominican Republic. Most of the flights to Santo Domingo Airport are flights from the USA and Canada. Las Americas is directly connected to the capitals of many Caribbean countries such as Cuba, Colombia and Puerto Rico. In addition, flights from such European countries like Spain, France and Germany. For those tourists from Russia who decide to go to the Dominican Republic on their own and choose Santo Domingo Las Americas Airport as the main gateway to this country, there will be no opportunity group transfer to the hotel. Therefore, such tourists are likely to have to use taxi services.
Caves of Los Tres Ojos
The name Los Tres Ojos, in fact, applies to an entire protected area. There are a huge number of magnificent and picturesque objects. The local lakes and caves literally amaze the imagination, the landscapes excite the mind, and it is not easy to convey the whole palette of emotions. The name Los Tres Ojos comes from the fact that at a depth of fifteen meters there are three lakes with crystal clear water. The unusualness of this phenomenon lies in the fact that the water in the lakes is very rich, almost unnatural, blue. The water in each lake has a special composition of chemical elements and varies greatly in composition. In one it is fresh, in another it is salty, and in the third it contains sulfur, the vapors of which rise above the water. Previously, tourists were allowed to swim in the ponds, but now, for safety reasons, this is not allowed. But even without this, you will have plenty of impressions from visiting the reserve.
Coordinates: 18.48050500,-69.84309200
National Pantheon
The building of the National Pantheon was built as a church and monastery of the monastic order of the Jesuits in 1747. IN famous building Heroes of the Dominican Republic are buried in marble sarcophagi.
There is always a guard of honor at the entrance to the building. If you wish, you can wait for his change and admire the impressive performance: soldiers are thrown into the air and reload their rifles. Photography is not prohibited here, so tourists can safely capture the moment.
On the facade of the National Pantheon, the figures of the founders, Francis Xavier and Ignatius Layola, are carved. Initially, it was supposed to use the Pantheon as a burial place for heroes for the independence and freedom of the Dominican Republic. For example, a woman is buried here who was able to embroider the first flag by hand. There are also empty sarcophagi intended for future wrestlers.
A large bronze chandelier hangs in the Pantheon - a gift from the dictator Franco, and on the second floor there are forged lattices with a swastika pattern - a gift from Hitler.
Entrance to the building is free, but visitors are not allowed to come in T-shirts and shorts. The National Pantheon of the Dominican Republic is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 17:00.
Coordinates: 18.52416200,-69.75492000
Monument to Governor Nicolás de Ovando
The history of the conquest of Hispaniola and the settlement of its first colonists is very interesting and often dramatic. The turn between the 15th and 16th centuries was a turning point for the New World.
The first colonists, led by Columbus, have already landed on the island. Attempts to establish Spanish settlements in the north of the island were unsuccessful. Fort La Navidad, founded on December 25, 1492, was destroyed by the Indians a year later, along with all the buildings and residents. In January 1494, Columbus founded a second settlement closer to the east - La Isabela (La Isabela), but it also did not last long. Eventually, the Spaniards established the first permanent settlement on south coast which later became the capital of the entire colony. Its growth and development are closely connected with such a legendary figure as Nicolas de Ovando (Nicolas de Ovando, 1460-1511) - the first governor of the New World.
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Bridge at San Pedro de Macoris
The bridge over the Rio Hikuamo in the town of San Pedro de Macoris is the most long bridge in the Caribbean region, is 606 meters, of which 390 m falls on the hanging part. It was designed to be resistant to hurricanes - it must withstand wind speeds of 240 km / h.
The most popular attractions in Santo Domingo with descriptions and photos for every taste. Choose best places to visit the famous places of Santo Domingo on our website.
More attractions in Santo Domingo
The city of Santo Domingo is located on the territory of the state (country) Dominican Republic, which in turn is located on the territory of the continent North America
. The population of the city of Santo Domingo.
The population in the city of Santo Domingo is 2,023,029 people.Year of foundation of Santo Domingo.
Year of foundation of the city of Santo Domingo: 1496.What time zone is Santo Domingo in?
The city of Santo Domingo is located in the administrative time zone: UTC-4. Thus, you can determine the time difference in the city of Santo Domingo, relative to the time zone in your city.Phone code for Santo Domingo
Telephone code cities of Santo Domingo: +1 (809), +1 (829), +1 (849). In order to call the city of Santo Domingo with mobile phone, you need to dial the code: +1 (809), +1 (829), +1 (849) and then directly the subscriber's number.Official website of the city of Santo Domingo.
Website of the city of Santo Domingo, official website of the city of Santo Domingo or as it is also called "Official website of the administration of the city of Santo Domingo": http://adn.gob.do/.Coat of arms of the city of Santo Domingo.
In the description of the city of Santo Domingo, the coat of arms of the city of Santo Domingo is presented, which is the hallmark of the city.Subway in the city of Santo Domingo.
The subway in the city of Santo Domingo is called the Santo Domingo Metropolitan and is a means of public transport.The passenger traffic of the Santo Domingo Metro (Santo Domingo Metro congestion) is 73.00 million people per year.
The number of metro lines in the city of Santo Domingo is 2 lines. The total number of metro stations in Santo Domingo is 30. The length of metro lines or metro tracks is: 24.80 km.
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It is worth coming to Santo Domingo, because this is the very first city founded by Europeans in the New World, and since the Spaniards were the first to land here, they built a small copy of Toledo, Seville and Madrid here. Majestic old-world cathedrals and mansions look incredibly beautiful against the backdrop of a piercing blue Caribbean sky, surrounded by coconut trees and tropical flowers. The old city quarters, which did not know world wars and destruction, are perfectly preserved.
What to see in Santo Domingo?
First of all, tourists will be interested in the ancient buildings of the XIV-XV centuries. Almost all noteworthy sights are located within the square of the Colonial Quarter, which was founded by the first Spanish conquistadors.
Cathedral of Saint Mary
The most impressive temple of the city was founded in 1514 by Diego Columbus, the son of the legendary commander. The interior of the cathedral impresses with the richness of the decor and the high artistic taste of its golden pediments, marble bas-reliefs and silver church utensils. It was here that the ashes of Christopher Columbus rested for a long time.
Main promenade - Las Damas street
The most charming street of Santo Domingo is dedicated to the beautiful and courageous court ladies of the Spanish court, who were not afraid to go to the other side of the world. Even in the Caribbean wilderness, noble lords needed a place to walk and show off their new outfits. Las Damas Street claims to be the oldest in America, the first stones on its pavement were laid in 1511. Here are the most beautiful mansions of the eminent conquerors of the New World.
Palace of the Alcazar de Colon
The building served as a residence for the Viceroys of America. Countless treasures from Spanish palaces are stored inside: gold jewelry, furniture, weapons, old manuscripts.
royal houses
This architectural ensemble consists of the building of the Royal Court and the Governor's Palace. In every stone, pediment and column, imperial luxury and scope are felt here. Expositions of the Museum of the Royal Court are opened in the rich halls.
Pantheon
The old Jesuit church enchants with original architecture and a mixture of different styles. Here you can guess the Gothic, Renaissance, Rococo, the patio resembles Moorish mosques.
Columbus lighthouse
The grandiose memorial is made in the form of a huge cross 230 m long. Spotlights are installed on it, which draw another cross in the dark clouds - the heavenly one.
Botanical Garden and Aquarium
The garden is home to many tropical trees and shrubs, as well as 300 species of orchids. The transparent corridors of the Aquarium look like a fabulous underwater kingdom, where thousands of fish and marine animals live.
What to do in Santo Domingo?
Excursions in Santo Domingo
Squares, streets and quarters of this beautiful city - perfect place for educational excursions. How many new impressions and discoveries will be given by these mansions and fortresses that remember Columbus and the golden age of Spain! Most interesting excursion routes pass through the old colonial city, as well as in the eastern part of Santo Domingo, where the Columbus Lighthouse, Aquarium and caves with underground lakes are located. There are two large parks in the vicinity of the city.
shoppingin Santo Domingo
From Santo Domingo, travelers bring cigars, rum, aromatic coffee grown on the plantations of the Dominican Republic. In the Mercado market, Model sells local fruits,
spices, traditional handicrafts, magic amulets from evil spirits. Also worth a look is the Royal Dockyards, a former 16th-century warehouse that has not changed in appearance for five centuries. Inside there are many souvenir shops, there are art galleries where you can good price buy wonderful paintings by local artists.
Beachesin Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo is located just 30 km from the Caribbean resort of Boca Chica, which is famous for its long white beaches and palm trees. Here you can go fishing, windsurfing and diving.
Bars, discos, restaurantsin Santo Domingo
The long picturesque promenade of the Malecon lives day and night in the rhythm of merengue, salsa and rumba. There are many colorful restaurants, nightclubs and discos here.
Festivalsin Santo Domingo
At the end of November, a colorful Colonial Festival takes place here, when brightly dressed people in frightening masks, dancers, musicians and artists fill the old streets. Theatrical performances, concerts and festive processions are held on the streets.
In July, Santo Domingo turns into the Caribbean Capital of Jazz for two weeks. The program of the Jazz Festival includes performances by bands from the Dominican Republic, the USA and different countries Europe and Latin America.
Bright, ancient and cheerful Santo Domingo, conquering the hearts of travelers from the first time, is undoubtedly worth a visit.
, Santo Domingo, often call " living history“Although, at first glance, this is a typical Latin American metropolis with high-rise buildings, residential areas built for different segments of the population, huge shops, expensive boutiques, restaurants and educational institutions. Like in any other major city
, in the capital, there are many pros and cons.
Pros and Cons of Santo Domingo
If we consider the city from the point of view of a beach holiday, then you won’t really turn around here - almost the only beach in Santo Domingo is private beach on its outskirts, Aura Beach: there are no crowds of tourists, and in a small restaurant you can enjoy freshly caught seafood.
That, perhaps, is the whole value of the beach.
But actually, in Santo Domingo, no one goes for beach holiday. It is much more useful to spend time here, studying the historical monuments of Santo Domingo, and there are a lot of them here, because the capital of the Dominican Republic is a city with an extraordinary, “living” history and rich traditions.
So much has happened on this land: both discoverers and conquerors have visited it, everything here is literally saturated with the spirit of historical events, and colonial-style houses built with special care remind of the difficult fate of this city, which laid the foundation for the conquest path towards the Americas.
History of Santo Domingo
The history of America began precisely from the capital of the Dominican Republic, at the moment when Christopher Columbus first set foot on its shore in 1492. Due to the fact that this city resembled a heavenly place, the first settlers from Europe chose the current capital of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo.
During the colonial wars, the purpose of which was to control the sea routes, this city was inhabited, displacing each other, then the Dutch, then the Spaniards, then the French, then the British and the Portuguese.
And another battle was fought from the sea - pirates robbed the ships that sailed to the shores, devastating them and terrifying the brave sailors.
All these historical events could not pass without a trace either for the history or for the architecture of Santo Domingo, therefore, having arrived in the modern Latin American metropolis of Santo Domingo today, you can plunge into the events of bygone days and feel that unique atmosphere that reigned here many centuries ago.
Sights of Santo Domingo
A particularly colorful place in Santo Domingo, its colonial quarter with many historical monuments, such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria, whose construction dates back to the 16th century. This quarter is able to keep tourists out of the arms of that famous era for a long time.
In the historic center there is a building that once belonged to the governor of Hispaniola, Nicolás de Ovando, after whom it is named. Everything here reminds of how, in the early 16th century, it was from here that he ruled the island. This building impresses with its luxury, massive columns and a charming courtyard in which amazing tropical plants grow.
Nearby is the governor's palace, called Alcazar de Colon, built in the 16th century. Today, this building has become an art museum, which exhibits expositions of the Renaissance and the Middle Ages.
However, the historical events of Santo Domingo have long sunk into the past and the city lives in the present: on the old pavements of the colonial quarter, lined with cobblestones, luxurious restaurants, boutiques and hotels are located, and modern residents no longer resemble their heroic ancestors.
But still old historical Center modern Santo Domingo has that special magic and charm that are inherent in cities with a rich history and cultural heritage.
While relaxing in the Dominican Republic, be sure to book a tour of historical places Santo Domingo to touch living history of the capital of the Dominican Republic, You will be interested!
