Santo Domingo Things to Do Tips by el_ruso

This was the palace of Diego Colon (son of Cristoforo), who was the first governor. It is a nice (if rather escetic) building built in 1515 in the late Gothic "Isabelline" style.

After the family's return to Spain in the end of the XVI century, the building was abandoned and decayed considerably, but in this century it was thoroughly restored and serves as a museum.

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Directions: opposite Las Casas Reales

Basilica Catedral Santa Maria de la Encarnacion was the first cathedral in the Americas, and was completed in 1540. It's built in the Gothic style. It was severely damaged during the attack by the British pirate Drake (who used it as barracks), and has never recovered its former glory.

In front, there is a statue of Colon and a Taino (native) woman, although I did not quite understand what that woman is trying to do. The plaza is very loverly, and serves as the main plaza of Santo Domingo.

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This is called after Rio Ozama, not Bin Laden :)

The original fortress was built in 1502, and has since been significantly enlarged. The central keep, the Torre de Homenaje offers great views of the city and the sea, and you can also see the hole through which prisoners were dropped into their cells.

This is a great place to see if you like history; once inside, you will not be able to avoid imagining being a conquistador in the XVI century fighting against English pirates. From the top, you get a great view of old city and the sea. A large section of the original wall is still standing. However, the outer wall was actually built in the XX century by dictator Trujillo who used the site as a political prison.

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The Museo de Hombre Dominicano is devoted primarily to the Taino Indians who lived on the island before the arrival of the Spanish. Even though most of them were killed or died following the conquest, and the Dominicans of today trace their roots primarily to the Spanish and the Aftican slaves, they are very interested in the heritage of the native inhabitants. The museum displays numerous objects created by the Tainos and teaches their culture. There is also a large exhibit on the religion, culture and life of the African slaves

Museum is definitely worth the visit, and is overall a very good effort. It is located in Gazcue, the Western suburb.

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Directions: Gacue, West of the Centro.

The museum traces modern history of DR, tells the story of the Haitian occupation and the troubled history that followed, includes exhibits on the dictator Trujillo and the car where he was killed.

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Directions: West of old town in Gazque, the Western suburb

The center of the city has retained many beautiful buildings inherited from the colonial times. Walking along these streets is a wonderful experience!

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Directions: Centro Historico

The center of the city has retained many beautiful buildings inherited from the colonial times. Walking along these streets is a wonderful experience!

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This is more of a large and tranquil park, rather than a botanical garden with a plaque on every tree and bush. It is nice to walk around. There is also a fairly large Japanese garden on premises.

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This large cave has three separate lakes. It is nice to see; just be aware that tour guides are pricey, but knowledgeable.

There are also people who break off the stalaktities and make taino-looking statues out of them. They are VERY pushy!

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This museum (the best in my opinion) is housed in the former administration building of the Spanish West Indies. The premises are immaculate, and the eclectic exposition (and the building itself) is quite interesting.

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