![]() ![]() You will meet a wonderful mix of people from different cultures and many street artists. It offers many shopping opportunities, good restaurants and nice little cafes as well. In recent years the Colonial Zone has become a lively and vibrant part of the city. Take some time to explore the whole Colonial Zone, walk the narrow streets, roam along the preserved walls that surround parts of the city and visit the remaining historical buildings and museums. The first cathedral of the New World remains one of the most popular attractions and shouldn’t be missed. There are 500 year old buildings and structures to experience, and the original patterns of the old streets are preserved. Today you can still experience those early beginnings. The first cathedral, hospital, customs house and university of the American continent were built in Santo Domingo and the grid pattern design of the city was used as a model for other new cities in the Americas. From its port, numerous explorers set out to conquer new lands in the Americas and started spreading the European culture. The city of Santo Domingo was founded six years later in 1498 on the banks of the Ozama River. He therefore claimed the island and called it La Española (“the Spanish”). The beautiful island with its mild climate and diverse landscape reminded him of his own country, Spain. Walk the same streets as Christopher Columbus! The Colonial Zone in Santo Domingo, the oldest city of the New World, is a wonderful combination of past and present.Ĭhristopher Columbus arrived in 1492 in what is known today as the Dominican Republic. Why get married in the Dominican Republic?.Why Incentive in the Dominican Republic?.Mountain hike to Pico Duarte – Rooftop of the Caribbean.Beautiful Beaches and Stunning Waterfalls.Inside the first Cathedral in the Americas, Santo Domingo. Introduction * when to go * things to do * events * getting there * getting around * food * history * attractions * music * cities * hotels The plaza itself makes for another great place to relax and grab a drink, and stare out to the Faro a Colon (Columbus lighthouse). The house contains a museum of colonial artifacts. The Romanesque Nicolas de Ovando Hotel once lodged colonial governors, and is now home to a fine Sofitel hotel.Īt the end of Las Damas is the large Plaza de Espana (Spanish Plaza), with the monumental Alcazar de Colon, once home to the Diego Columbus, the explorer’s son, and such famous conquistadors as Pizarro, Cortes, Balboa, and Ponce de Leon. A fine example of Spanish colonial architecture, the inside is a blend of gothic, Spanish renaissance and baroque design.Īfter strolling down El Conde, meander along the Calle Las Damas (Ladies Street), past some fine colonial buildings. Once the social hub of Santo Domingo (the city’s first discoteques were along this street), the pedestrian-only El Conde is now a popular commercial center of souvenirs, Dominican and Haitian art, and clothes stores.Ĭlose to the Parque Colon is the historic Catedral de Santa Maria la Menor, the first cathedral in the Americas (construction began in 1514). There is also a gallery of exquisite amber jewelry on the park.įrom Parque Colon, head down the bustling Calle del Conde. The nautical inside of the Hard Rock Cafe makes for a relaxing place to enjoy a Presidente beer. Surrounded by historic buildings and sidewalk dining, the park is a great place to grab a drink or a bite before exploring the historic area. A large statue of the explorer (by French Sculptor Gilbert XIX) can be seen in the heart of the colonial zone at the Parque Colon (Columbus park). Santo Domingo was founded in 1498 on the banks of the Ozama River, by no other than Christopher Columbus. Strolling through the narrow cobbled streets is enough to transport you to a bygone era. There are over 300 historic buildings and museums, giving an unrivaled glimpse at the first European city of the New World. The Zona Colonial (colonial zone), officially known as the Cuidad Colonial (colonial city) is the historic heart of Santo Domingo, capital of the Dominican Republic. Guide to the Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo * DR overview * places * Casa de Ponce de Leon * Plaza Espana * Los Tres Ojos * Plaza de la Cultura * Zona Colonial * El Malecon * Mercado Modelo * Santo Domingo * attractions guide * ![]()
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