Santo Domingo Things to Do Tips by Joan58

The best starting point to visit the Colonial Zone is Parque Colòn. Here is the Monument of Christopher Columbus, who looks like being ready to leave with his arm pointed at the sea. In the background is the Catedral Primada de America.

Leave a Comment

The Catedral de Santa Maria la Menor, called also Catedral Primada de America, was built in 1521, but in 1502 Diego Columbus had already put the first stone. On its right the facade has a double decorated portal. The cathedral is made of golden coral and is a unique blend of styles with Romanesque arches and Gothc vaults.
Open daily 9am-4pm.

Leave a Comment

Address: Parque Colòn

This building was a monastery church of the Jesuit Order. Dictator Trujillo restored it in 1955 and it became a shrine for national heroes. It's very interesting and full of atmosphere to watch the changing of the guard.
Open Tuesday through Sunday 9am-5pm.

Leave a Comment

Phone: 682-0185
Address: Calle de Las Damas

Built in 1509, the Museum of the Royal Houses was the seat of the Audiencia Real, the powerful Supreme Court of the New World. Today is an interesting museum where you can admire treasures salvaged from sunken Spanish galleons, reproductions of Columbus ships and an impressive weapons collection belonged to Trujillo, the dictator who governed the Dominican Repubic from 1930 to 1960.
In front of the museum there is the Reloj del Sol, a sundial dating back to 1753 and built in order that the officers could watch time from the windows of the Royal Houses.
The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday 9am-5pm. On Sunday 10am-1,30pm.

Leave a Comment

Phone: 682-4202
Address: Calle de Las Damas near Plaza de La Hispanidad

This building was the house of Diego Columbus, Christopher's son and viceroy of the Island Hispaniola. It was built in 1510. Today you can visit it and admire the ancient Spanish furnishings.
Open daily 9am-5pm.

Leave a Comment

Address: Plaza de la Hispanidad