Finally, I reached the oldest Latin American city built by Europeans. Agree, not every city founded in 1496 can radiate as much energy and freedom as was laid down by Christopher Columbus and his team in the Dominican capital.

Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo - Fortresses, churches, monuments

There are no golden beaches in Santo Domingo. But the capital has many medieval mansions, interesting museums and unique ancient churches. What is the first thing a person does after sleeping in a hotel? That's right, look around the surroundings.

In ancient times, more than five hundred years ago, Santo Domingo was considered the rich city of the two Americas. But when mass colonization began South America, the country was severely depopulated, most of the settlers went in search of treasures - the Dominican Republic and its capital fell into decay.

The Church and Shrine of Regina Angelorum was built at the expense of a woman who donated her entire fortune for its construction. The monastery was built for Dominican servants of God. Construction work lasted until the end of the 16th century. Spanish Plateresque was chosen as the building style.

In 1586, the city was captured by one of the most famous pirates - Sir Francis Drake. This filibuster and his terrifying pirate crew plundered and plundered uncontrollably, almost destroying Santo Domingo.

Street names are written on the tiles. Six decorative tiles form a sign. It is generally accepted that Santo Domingo is a city of everything new and first. The first paved road was built there. The first in the New World - a university, a fortress, a palace - were erected. You don't need these numbers. In 1884, Santo Domingo experienced a special boom. It was during this period that the independent Dominican Republic was founded and Santo Domingo was proclaimed the capital.

The city truly flourished when the Dominican Republic was ruled by dictator Rafael Trujillo. They decided to rename the capital Ciudad Trujillo - in honor of their significant person. The dictator wanted to turn Santo Domingo into a metropolis of international importance. At this time, busy construction was in full swing. Trujillo was killed in 1961.

In Santo Domingo, European architects pioneered the use of right-angle road crossings. The layout of the Spanish city of Seville was taken as an example. It was from here that Columbus's first ships sailed; it was to this city that the Spanish kings gave the right to trade with the newly discovered lands.

Huge and bustling, Santo Domingo is divided into clearly defined neighborhoods. The streets of John Kennedy, February 27, Malecon, Maximo Gomez, Lincoln, Winston Churchel, located perpendicular to each other, make it so

The tourist part is the Colonial city, which is surrounded by an impressive fortress wall.

It seems too massive to the eye.

There are dozens of restaurants for every taste, shops and stores and a variety of hotels, including the cost of living. The colonial center is on the famous UNESCO World Heritage Register. Still would!

You can walk here endlessly.

Wild color contrast.

Yellow, green, orange!

All colors available.

Of course, you can get lost if you don't have a map. But the unique architectural monuments that come across all the time serve as excellent landmarks. You definitely won't forget this.

A significant part of the buildings were erected in the 16th century.

Stately mansions have been reconstructed. Their stately halls are reserved for museums, diverse shops and restaurants.

One of the most significant and frequently visited attractions by tourists in Santo Domingo is the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Also known as Catedral de Santa Maria la Menor. Its construction started in 1514 and was completed in 1540. This is one of the oldest holy buildings, combining in its architectural image several styles at the same time - Gothic and Baroque, with elements of the once dominant Plateresque. In the keeper of the treasures of the Shrine you can see many different monuments, furniture, decorations made of precious metals, and silverware.

Some historical data and assumptions indicate that the relics of the legendary Christopher Columbus rested in the cathedral for a long time. But this is still being debated. Not far from the cathedral (200 meters to the east) there is the Osama Fortress, which also belongs to the historical heritage.

Inside the Osama Fortress is the Tower of Memory. Its Spanish name is "La Torre del Homenaje".

The Honor Tower is also part of the fortifications of the fortress wall and is one of the earliest stone structures in the Colonial City. The height of the object is 18.5 meters. It was erected in 1507. The purpose of the city fortification was to protect the city from pirate attacks from the Osama River.

(Photo on the left) Monument to Maria Trinidad Sanchez - a famous woman who took an active part in the struggle for the independence of the state, after whom a province in the northern part of the Dominican Republic is even named. In 1959, it separated from the province of Samana.

(Photo on the right) Monument to Nicholas de Ovando (c. 1460 - 1511) - a Spanish participant in the conquest and the third governor of the island of Haiti (Hispaniola) (1502-1509), a member of the spiritual knightly order of Alcantara, who was known for using brutal methods to suppress the uprisings of local tribes Taino Indians. He switched the main urban construction to stone houses, which significantly reduced the number of fires compared to other settlements in the Caribbean region.

(Photo left) Columbus Park (Parque Colon) is located in the central part of the Colonial Zone. Here is a monument to the outstanding navigator, pointing his hand towards his homeland - Spain.

(Photo on the right) The Pablo Duarte monument is located in the center of the park of the same name, Parque Duarte. This politician created an underground organization in the 19th century that fought for the independence of the Dominican Republic. As a result of the activities of the Resistance Movement, the Dominican Republic was freed from the Haitian invaders, becoming an independent state on February 28, 1844.

Not far from Parque Columbus, in the Colonial part of Santo Domingo, there is another park - Parque Duarte, which is more of a public garden due to the fact that it occupies a small space in a residential area. Here you can see a very beautiful tree with red flowers - flamboyan. Similar plants grow on many city streets.

This cozy square is an attractive example of landscape architecture and an evening relaxation place for interesting people.

The lighting pole was painted by some craftsmen, and the flowering plant fits perfectly into the street landscape.

The Godfather filming location

Surprisingly, but true - the film "The Godfather Part II" (1974) was filmed in Santo Domingo.

Although according to the script the action took place in neighboring Cuba.

Ruins of San Nicolas - one of the first monasteries and hospitals of the colonial era.

The Alcazar de Colon Palace is an ancient building where the Viceroy lived. The owner of the palace was the son of Christopher Columbus, Diego Columbus. In 1509 he was appointed viceroy of Hispaniola and the Indies.

Coral reef blocks were used in the construction of this structure. No nails were used during the construction process.

From the walls of the palace you can see the opposite bank of the Osama River, on which the residential areas of the capital are located, characterized by a high density of mainly low-income population.

The city highway (Avenida de Puente) runs under the fortress walls and the palace building, behind which the port of the capital is visible. Ocean passenger and cargo ships dock at this port. Here you understand that Osama is a rather deep river.

The Museum of Royal Houses is located in a complex of buildings that was built in 1511 in the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo by order of King Ferdinand II of Aragon. The buildings are a work of monumental architecture typical of the colonial era. On the square in front of the museum there are ancient sundials, cannons of those times and metal sculptures of the famous Dominican author. Such sculptures are not uncommon in the Dominican Republic. They can be found everywhere.

A monument to the younger brother of Christopher Columbus - Bartolomeo Columbus (c. 1461-1515), whom Christopher left as his deputy on the island after his second voyage. Bartolomeo is considered the founder of Santo Domingo and is given the title of adelantado.

A little further there is a small square called Padre Billini. Here is a statue of Francisco Javier Billini, who was known as a defender of the poor and a great philanthropist. Billini founded the Hospital de la Benefiencia, which was the first charitable hospital in the Dominican Republic. He also came up with the idea of ​​selling a lottery, the proceeds of which went to the treatment of poor patients.

On the remains of the fortress wall, a massive gate has been preserved that has become a symbol of the city - Puerta del Conde (1543). They were once part of the defensive system of the San Genaro bastion. They were called the Count's Gate in honor of the Count of Peñalba, who defended the city from the British invasion in the 17th century.

In 1844, the national flag of the independent Dominican state, raised by General Francisco Sanchez, flew over the gate for the first time. Later, the historical place began to be called the Gate of Mercy. The monument has another name - “Stronghold of February 27”.

The historical building acquired its modern appearance at the beginning of the 20th century. The reconstruction was carried out according to the design of the Czech architect Antonino Nechodoma. Today the gate opens the entrance to National Park Independence. Its attraction is the bronze “Wind Rose”. This is the zero point of the island, from which it is customary to calculate the distance.

Half a century after the modernization of the Count's Gate, the Baluarte Mausoleum was erected. In the niches of the white marble building lie the founding fathers of the state: Francisco Sanchez, Ramon Mejia and the national hero of the Dominican Republic, Juan Duarte. Previously, their remains were kept in the Chapel of the Immortals of the Cathedral.

The mausoleum is also known under another name - “Altar of the Fatherland”. Here you can see marble sculptures of the founders of the independent republic. Their author is the sculptor from Italy Nicholas Arrighini.

The architect Christian Martinez Villanueva was entrusted with creating the project for the construction of the Mausoleum. The monument was built in the forties of the last century. Here the Eternal Flame never goes out, which symbolizes the unfading memory of the people about the merits of the founders of the state.

Columbus Lighthouse - you have to see it with your own eyes!

This is probably the king of all lighthouses. I have never seen such a structure before.

Imagine, you arrived in Moscow. We were going to visit Red Square, but it didn’t work out. You will have the same feelings when you find yourself in the Dominican Republic and do not visit the Columbus Lighthouse. The construction of the unique structure took 70 years, and its cost is estimated at many millions of dollars.

Just imagine the scale of the monument! Its length is 310 meters, width - 43, and height - 33. From a bird's eye view, the Columbus Lighthouse appears like a cross. From the side, the structure looks like a multi-stage Mayan pyramid, known from a history textbook.

The majestic walls of the lighthouse are decorated with marble slabs. They depict the sayings of venerable travelers from different countries world and dates associated with the discovery of South America..

In 1992, Pontiff John Paul II attended the opening of the Columbus Lighthouse.

Excerpts of the Pope's speech forever found their rightful place on the marble images at the entrance to the lighthouse.

Inside the structure, intrepid sailors stand on guard of honor next to the remains of the great navigator - Christopher Columbus.
And then, I will show you the inhabitants of the colonial capital and what they do.

Press tour to the Dominican Republic, organized with the support of the Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic and Nikon.

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 his hand somewhere into the distance. Just below Columbus is a tiny figurine of a Taino Indian girl, who 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 branch are located here, high-level meetings are held and the most important political and economic issues of the republic are resolved.

The palace building was built in 1944-47. Italian architect Guido D'Alessandro. The cost of the project was enormous 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 this concept was an attempt to reflect the cultural, racial, and linguistic differences of the peoples who inhabit the Caribbean region. Some of the 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 classical style. Local materials were used in the decoration, the main ones being marble and mahogany. When decorating the premises, bronze, iron, plaster and steel were used, a varied combination of which gives each individual room an atmosphere of extraordinary beauty and harmony. The Hall with Caryatids, the Hall of Ambassadors, and the Green Hall are especially beautiful. In the palace you can see paintings by artists from the neoclassical, Italian Renaissance and Baroque eras.

Of course, there is no access to the president’s private chambers, but the remaining “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 (“Ladies Street”) is 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 begins at the Fortaleza Ozama fortress and stretches to the Alcazar de Colon Museum. Its original name was Calle de la Forteleza.

Diego Colon, son of Christopher Columbus, arrived with his wife in Santo Domingo in 1509, and with them all their court ladies arrived. They quite often walked along Las Damas Street to the church for mass. Residents of the city constantly observed this company, which slowly strolled back and forth along the street with the aim of taking a walk and admiring 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 Jos Francisco Peñ a Gó mez International Airport. This is the second busiest airport in the Dominican Republic. The majority of flights to Santo Domingo Airport are 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 operate here from European countries such as Spain, France and Germany. For those tourists from Russia who decided to go to the Dominican Republic on their own and chose Santo Domingo Las Americas Airport as the main gateway to this country, there will be no possibility of a group transfer to the hotel. Therefore, such tourists will most likely have to use taxi services.

Los Tres Ojos Caves

The name Los Tres Ojos actually covers an entire protected area. There are a huge number of magnificent and picturesque objects here. 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 appeared due to 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 saturated, 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 prohibited. But even without this, you will have plenty of impressions from visiting the reserve.

Coordinates: 18.48050500,-69.84309200

National Pantheon

The National Pantheon building was built as a church and monastery of the Jesuit monastic order 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 until he is relieved and admire the impressive performance: soldiers throwing their rifles into the air and reloading. Photography is not prohibited here, so tourists can safely capture the moment.

The figures of the founders, Francis Xavier and Ignatius Laiola, are carved on the façade of the National Pantheon. Initially, it was intended to use the Pantheon as a burial place for heroes for the independence and freedom of the Dominican Republic. For example, the woman who was able to hand embroider the first flag is buried here. There are also empty sarcophagi intended for future fighters.

In the Pantheon there hangs a large bronze chandelier - a gift from the dictator Franco, and on the second floor there are forged grilles with a swastika pattern - a gift from Hitler.

Entrance to the building is free, but visitors are prohibited from wearing 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 Nicholas de Ovando

The history of the conquest of Hispaniola and its settlement by the 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, had 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 a year later by the Indians along with all buildings and inhabitants. In January 1494, Columbus founded a second settlement closer to the east, La Isabela, but it also did not last long. Eventually, the Spaniards established the first permanent settlement on the southern coast, which later became the capital of the entire colony. Its growth and development are closely connected with such a legendary figure as Nicholas 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 Jiquamo river in the town of San Pedro de Macoris is the most... long bridge in the Caribbean region, is 606 meters, of which 390 m is the hanging part. It was designed to be hurricane resistant - it must withstand wind speeds of 240 km/h.

The most popular attractions in Santo Domingo with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose best places to visit famous places of Santo Domingo on our website.

More attractions of Santo Domingo

Going to the fabulous islands of the Dominican Republic, many are looking for velvety beaches, a gentle sea and the soothing sound of the surf, but in addition to all this splendor, they discover a completely unique cultural heritage, carefully carried by local residents through the centuries. The capital of the republic, the city of Santo Domingo, can be safely called a real pearl of the Dominican crown. Having become the first European settlement in the Antilles, the city has retained its colonial charm in literally everything - original architecture, Creole cuisine, language and traditions local residents. It's like you're returning to the era of the greats. geographical discoveries, pirate captures and unique Caribbean romance.

Oldest locality America, founded by Europeans, Santo Domingo became the brainchild of the brother of the famous pioneer Christopher Columbus - Bartolomeo. He founded it in 1496, initially calling it New Isabella, but later renamed it in honor of St. Dominic. A century later, the city became the capital of all the Spanish colonies of the New World, it was here that the first Catholic church, the residence of the Spanish king, the first hospital, university, and defensive fortifications created by the hands of Europeans in the Western Hemisphere arose. The city has seen many sad pages in its history - the uprising of black slaves, passing into the hands of the French, occupation by American troops, severe destruction by a hurricane, but any adversity only strengthened the local population's love for their capital. Having gained independence, the Dominican Republic is becoming an increasingly popular tourism destination every year, because this tiny piece of land, lost in the waters of the Caribbean Sea, offers incredible opportunities for an unforgettable vacation.

More than three hundred ancient monuments are concentrated on the streets of the Dominican capital. Walking along the cobblestone streets where great sailors and Spanish kings walked, you never cease to be amazed at the uniqueness of this place. Colonial Quarter, Alcazar Palace, Cathedral, Columbus Lighthouse is just a small part excursion route in Santo Domingo. Don’t rush to leave the city after a quick acquaintance - become imbued with its secrets, look into the most remote corners of the street labyrinths and be sure to taste unforgettable Caribbean cuisine in one of the cozy restaurants on the Malecon embankment.

Colonial Quarter

Everyone's starting point tourist routes in Santo Domingo, the Colonial Quarter is truly the heart of the city. An area of ​​5 km², surrounded by an ancient fortress wall, is the first city in the New World founded by Spanish colonists. In its center is a monument to Christopher Columbus, and in total there are more than three hundred architectural objects of historical value in the historical quarter. It is no coincidence that the National Pantheon, the Osama Fortress, Fort Santo Domingo, Las Damas Street, the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary and many other examples of colonial architecture were included in the list World Heritage UNESCO.

A walk through this quarter will also be remembered for its stunning views of the Osama River and seaport, as well as the opportunity to purchase original Dominican souvenirs on the El Code shopping street.

Columbus Lighthouse

The grandiose structure in Santo Domingo, called the Columbus Lighthouse, is essentially a large-scale museum telling about the life of the great navigator and the history of the Dominican Republic. The first thing that catches your eye is unusual shape, because the building is made in the shape of a cross gigantic size, in the center of which there is a mausoleum with the remains of Christopher Columbus. The fact that the discoverer of America was buried in Santo Domingo remains controversial, but despite this, a guard of honor is posted at the mausoleum all year round, and on major holidays, 157 powerful spotlights are turned on on the roof of the Lighthouse, illuminating a huge cross at a distance of several kilometers.

The museum exhibition of the complex is also interesting - documents, maps, historical information related to the life and discoveries of the great navigator, with the traditions of the inhabitants of the Caribbean, a museum of the countries that helped in the construction of the lighthouse and many more interesting exhibits that will help you better understand the culture of the Dominican Republic.

Cathedral

It is believed that the first Catholic church in America was built under the leadership of Christopher Columbus’s son, Diego. It was he who laid the first stone in the foundation in 1514, but the construction lasted for 30 years. The Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary is made of locally quarried coral limestone and is an unusual mixture of Baroque and Gothic styles.

The area of ​​the cathedral is more than 3,000 km² - inside there is a collection of antiquities, among which you will see carved wooden statues, antique furniture, dishes, silver jewelry, religious household items and much more. Not far from the temple there is a monument to Christopher Columbus pointing towards Spain. For a long time, his ashes were buried next to the altar of the cathedral, but after the construction of the Columbus Lighthouse, they were transferred to a special mausoleum, where they are now protected by a guard of honor around the clock.

Osama Fortress

A fortress that has seen all historical events since the 16th century, the first fort in America that protected Santo Domingo from pirates, a unique historical structure included in the World Heritage List - all this is the Osama Fortress, which has stood for many centuries at the mouth of the river of the same name. It was built in 1508 in the style medieval castle made of coral limestone without any fastening mortars - it is believed that such a structure only becomes stronger over time, as proven by the centuries-old history of the fort. The castle-fortress still has its original architecture; only part of the interior decoration has been replaced with copies.

Today, tourists have the opportunity to climb to the top of the Watchtower, which overlooks the endless expanses of the Caribbean Sea, explore the bedroom of Christopher Columbus, and explore the tunnels and dungeons where prisoners were kept for many years.

Malecon promenade

The main tourist spot of Santo Domingo, the Malecon is a 15-kilometer avenue stretching along the picturesque Caribbean coast. The palm tree-lined street is replete with souvenir shops, restaurants, cafes serving national cuisine, and runs through the Colonial Quarter and many other historical monuments. It is here that residents of the capital and its guests gather every evening, mass holidays and events take place, you can see the most impressive sea sunsets and enjoy the coolness after the hot city quarters.

Leisure

Santo Domingo is a city of opportunities, so everyone will enjoy a holiday here without exception. Perhaps the main tourist leisure activity has become beach time; the most picturesque beach is Juan Dolio Guayacanes, which combines the advantages of snow-white sand and dense tropical thicket nearby, where you can always hide from the heat.

Family travelers should pay attention to the local water park Agua Splash Caribe Parque Acuatico, the National Zoological Park and children's game center Happyland.

Can't imagine good vacation no nightlife? The Dominican capital offers dozens of bars, the most popular of which stretch along the Malecon promenade. Tropical cocktails, lively music and fun until the morning are guaranteed!

The Dominicans' passionate love for music is best reflected in the annual February merengue dance festival - an unforgettable show takes place right on the streets of Santa Domingo, and in the music spreading through the neighborhoods you can clearly see the fusion of Haitian, Caribbean, Spanish, African and many other cultures.

How to get there

Las Americas International Airport is a 30-minute drive from the city center.

There are no direct flights from Russia, so you need to think about a route with a transfer, for example, through Madrid, Barcelona, ​​New York, Miami, Boston, etc.

Local transport

For some unknown reason, the buses in Santo Domingo are not very comfortable and are more geared towards taking locals to and from work. It is often impossible to know which bus goes where until you ask the driver, since neither the buses nor their routes are clearly marked.

Santo Domingo recently opened its own metro, running along the North-South axis under the street. Maximo Gomez, walking from Villa Mella to the Center of the Monument to the Dead Heroes and the Malecon, passing by the National Theater and the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo. One trip costs about 20 pesos (less than 0.6 USD). The second branch is currently under construction, and plans for future construction include 5 more branches.

Hotels

The Sofitel Nicolas De Ovando Santo Domingo offers luxury in the heart of the city, close to the historic Colonial Quarter. Comfortable rooms will be appreciated both by those who come to the Dominican Republic on vacation and by those who will hold business meetings here - one of the hotel’s services is translation of documents and rental of a conference room.

To appreciate the architecture of Santo Domingo, its magnificent beaches and varied leisure activities, without spending a lot of money on accommodation - tourists book the La Colonia guest house for just such purposes. Clean, comfortable rooms, breakfast and the opportunity to meet interesting people were the main advantages of this hostel.

The elite five-star hotel Crowne Plaza Santo Domingo is located right on the famous Malecon Boulevard - its conditions will satisfy even the most demanding tourists, because the highest level of service, luxurious rooms and a whole range of related services are guaranteed.

Restaurants

Dominican cuisine is a gastronomic fairy tale that combines Caribbean, African and Spanish culinary traditions into a single unique “bouquet”. When coming to Santo Domingo, be sure to appreciate the excellent taste of freshly prepared seafood. Don Pepe Restaurante is considered one of the best restaurants in this direction.

Meson de Bari's excellent food and colonial-style interior are a hit, and if you're just looking for a quick bite, check out Barra Payan for great sandwiches and fresh juices.

Pura Tasca is decorated in a colonial style and is always ready to offer guests traditional sangria - an excellent refreshing drink in hot weather, and in addition - sausages on baked apple, hummus with raisins or pumpkin soup with avocado and mango.

Shopping

Santo Domingo offers ample opportunities for all shopping lovers. This is the main shopping center of the entire Caribbean, so here you can buy shoes, clothes, equipment of local and foreign production. When going shopping, feel free to go to Malecon Avenue, where the best boutiques, souvenir shops and shops are located along the sea. The most colorful souvenirs from the island were local rum, amber, Dominican coffee, cigars and an unusual turquoise Larimar stone.

There are several large ones in the city shopping centers, for example Plaza Central, Akropolis, Beya Vista Mall, Diamond Mall, Malecon Center, Mega Center, where there are an endless number of stores that offer a wide range of clothing from inexpensive casual to luxury designer clothes from famous world brands.

The city of Santo Domingo is located on the territory of a state (country) Dominican Republic, which in turn is located on the territory of the continent North America.

Population of the city of Santo Domingo.

The population of 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 located 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.

Santo Domingo phone code

Telephone code Santo Domingo city: +1 (809), +1 (829), +1 (849). In order to call the city of Santo Domingo from a mobile phone, you need to dial the code: +1 (809), +1 (829), +1 (849) and then the subscriber’s number directly.

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.

The description of the city of Santo Domingo presents the coat of arms of the city of Santo Domingo, which is the distinctive sign of the city.

Metro in the city of Santo Domingo.

The metro in the city of Santo Domingo is called Metropolitan Santo Domingo and is a means 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 the length of metro tracks is: 24.80 km.

The oldest central part Santo Domingo was built up in the 16th century and is dominated by colonial-era monuments.

Faro Colon- a lighthouse built on the site of an ancient lighthouse erected here under Columbus. In the middle of the structure there is a sarcophagus in which the remains of the great navigator Christopher Columbus rest according to his will. The complex is guarded by a naval guard. Faro Colon has a museum that tells the history of the Dominican Republic.

At night, a beam of bright light emanates from the lighthouse, aimed at the sky; it is visible from almost anywhere in the capital. The Faro Colon complex is surrounded by a large park, which has become a favorite vacation spot for Dominicans and guests of the country. Information about the complex is available at.

Alcazar de Colon, or Columbus's Palace, is located on the esplanade above the Osama River. The structure was erected in 1514 by order of Diego Columbus, the son of Christopher Columbus, from pieces of coral reef; not a single nail was used during its construction. The building has 22 rooms, which contain a unique collection of authentic items of that era: ancient manuscripts, portraits of the owners, furniture and interior items. Information about the museum is at.

Osama Fortress- the first fortress in the New World, built between 1502-1507. In its courtyard stands the Torre del Omenaje, a witness to all the most important stages of Dominican history. The rebel Indians were kept in its dungeons, and during the Republican period prisoners were sent here. At all times, the conquerors of the Dominican Republic tried to immediately hoist their national flag on the Torre del Omenaj tower. It is worth visiting the fortress to see the tower, the ruins of the fortress wall, the old arsenal and the house of the influential Dominican Rodrigo de Bastidas, adjacent to the fortress.

In addition to the above-mentioned attractions, tourists in the capital of the Dominican Republic can see Fort Concepcion (XVII century), the Captain's Palace - Casa de Bastidas (XVI century), the Sundial (1753), located at the end of Calle des las Damas, the first stone house on the island - Casa del Cordón, the so-called "House of the Ribbon" (1503), the palaces of Casa del Duarte and Casa Borghella on Isabel la Catolica Street, the first fortress of the New World - La Fortalesa (or “Fort of Worship”), the Mint - Casa de la Moneda (16th century) and the first hospital on the continent - St. Nicholas (1503-1505). It is also worth visiting the National Pantheon, the Baluarte Mausoleum or the “Altar of the Motherland”, where the graves of the founders of the Dominican Republic - Duarte, Sanchez and Mella - are located.

There are many churches in the city, which is due historically: from here the Christian church intended to bring the light of faith to the aborigines. The symbol of Santo Domingo is the Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor, or Cathedral of Santo Domingo.

This is a temple erected in honor of the Holy Virgin in 1514-1540. It is the oldest cathedral in America. The building is made of golden-coral limestone. The style of the cathedral combines Gothic and Baroque, with a strong Plateresque influence, which is especially noticeable in the decoration of the altar. Among the treasures of the cathedral is a rich collection of carved wooden statues, furniture, jewelry and silverware. On the cathedral square there is a monument to Christopher Columbus. In 1990, as part of the architectural colonial complex of the city of Santo Domingo, the cathedral was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

No less interesting are the Church of San Nicolas (XVI century), the Church of Regina Angelorum (XVI century) on Padre Bellini Street, the Dominican Monastery (Los Dominicos, 1510), the Monastery of St. Clare (1522), the chapel of St. Andrew, as well as the church and monastery of Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes (1530), where the Academy of Dominican History is now located, etc.

There are many museums in Santo Domingo. The most interesting of them is the colonial museum of Las Casas Reales (1513-1520), dedicated to the voyages of Columbus and the development of Spanish culture in the New World. It is also worth visiting the Dominican Museum, located in the former home of Hernan Cortes, the House Museum of one of the founders of the Dominican Republic, Juan Pablo Duarte.

Natural Park Los Tres Ojos, or “Three Eyes”, is located near the capital of the Dominican Republic. In the park you can visit a zoo, an aquarium, caves with stalactites and stalagmites, grottoes in which, at a depth of 15 meters, there are three sulfide lakes with dark blue water, which gave the name to the park. In addition, Santo Domingo has a huge number of tropical parks, among which the most popular are Duarte, Mirador del Sur, Mirador del Este and Columbus Park. Noteworthy National Botanical Garden With rich collection tropical plants.