City of Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic). The capital of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo and its attractions Santo Domingo population
Every tourist arriving in the Dominican Republic must visit its capital, the first city of America, Santo Domingo, filled with history. Naturally, tourists head to the Caribbean Sea, planning to spend most of their time on wonderful beaches numerous resorts in the Dominican Republic.
Unfortunately, capital of the Dominican Republic Santo Domingo cannot boast of comfortable beaches, so those who want to get to know each other well ancient city and enjoy beach holiday, choose hotels in the small town of Boca Chica, located just forty kilometers from Santo Domingo.
In Boca Chica, most hotels are located at a minimum distance from the beach area, and some of them have their own well-maintained beaches. Living in this small resort town, tourists can successfully combine a beach holiday with a leisurely exploration of the sights of Santo Domingo. In modern realities, the forty kilometers separating the Boca Chica coast from Santo Domingo are not a significant distance.
What you can see in the capital of the Dominican Republic
The history of Santo Domingo begins in 1496, when, under the leadership of Bartolomeo Columbus, the brother of the famous navigator, the first buildings of the future capital of the Dominican Republic began to be erected here. At first, the settlement was named New Isabella, but after a hurricane, which almost completely destroyed the buildings, the city was renamed, receiving the name Santo Domingo. The Dominican Republic is rightfully proud of its capital, which over the centuries of its existence has transformed from a small settlement into a city with a population of more than 3 million inhabitants, but at the same time has carefully preserved its history.
Today, Santo Domingo stretches along the banks of the Osama River flowing through its territory, divided by it into two parts. The western part of the city was built later than the eastern part, being the business and cultural center of the city. However, in the same part there is a colonial zone located near the Osama River.
The Osama River divides the city of Santo Domingo into 2 parts, western and eastern
This area contains the most ancient architectural monuments of Santo Domingo. The Dominican Republic invites numerous guests of the country to see buildings built back in the 16th century, stroll along ancient streets, and today they look the same as at the time when they were built. There are many buildings here that are not only of architectural but also historical value. Thanks to their presence, it received the status “Property of Humanity” from UNESCO.
This area is necessarily included in the program of excursions offered to tourists, however, during the time allotted for the excursion, it is impossible to see even a small part of the attractions of the Dominican capital. It’s hard to even imagine how many unique ancient buildings there are in the city.
Columbus House, the first stone building built in Santo Domingo
Here is the Casa de Columbus, the first stone building built in Santo Domingo. Not far from it, on Plaza Espanidad, stands the magnificent two-story mansion Alcazar de Colon. It was built by Diego Columbus, the son of the famous Columbus, who at the time of construction was the viceroy of the island. The construction of this palace, now a museum, was completed in 1520.
St. Mary's Cathedral, America's first cathedral
It is impossible to pass by St. Mary's Cathedral, America's first cathedral; not far from the cathedral stands a bronze statue of the great navigator - Christopher Columbus, erected here in honor of the discovery of America. Leading to all these historical monuments is Dam Street, itself a monument as the oldest cobbled street in the city. Along it you can approach the Ozama fortress, which is decorated with the amazingly beautiful “Tower of Honor”, built in 1507.
The eastern part is also of interest to tourists, as there are many colonial-style buildings surrounded by varied vegetation. In this part of Santo Domingo one of the symbols of the capital of the Dominican Republic is located - “”. In its central part there is a mausoleum made of snow-white marble, where the remains of Columbus are kept. The remaining parts of the building house a museum. Its exhibitions tell the story of the creation of this monument, and many interesting things about the discovery and conquest of America.
Columbus Lighthouse in Santo Domingo
In addition to the famous St. Mary's Cathedral, the city has many churches. It is difficult to accurately calculate their number, because they were built with the aim of spreading Christianity among the indigenous people of America. Most of they date from the early 16th century. Some of them have turned into ruins, but the main part is still in use. Several religious buildings were built later, in the 18th century.
Shopping in the capital
The capital of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo, can be called a city of parks. Around each of historical buildings There is a lot of greenery, and it will take a whole day to explore each of the city’s parks. However, people come to the capital not only to explore parks and monuments. Many tourists go to Santo Domingo for shopping and entertainment.
There are many shopping centers and small shops with an attractive range of goods. The coastal Malecon Avenue, which is a 15-kilometer shopping and entertainment zone, is especially popular among lovers of shopping and other entertainment.
Before the arrival of Spanish sailors on the island of Haiti, it was already inhabited by tribes of Taino Indians. They called their homeland Kikeya (“mother of all lands”, “great land”), and Ahatti (“mountainous country”). The latter name later gave the name to the entire island and a separate country - Haiti. Christopher Columbus, who discovered the island in December 1492, named it Hispaniola.
The Spaniards founded a settlement on the northern coast of the island, giving it the name of Queen Isabella, but the unfavorable climate forced the colonialists to soon leave these lands. In 1496, the younger brother of the great navigator Bartolomeo Columbus ordered to build new town in the south of the island, near the Osama River. It was called "New Isabella", but was later renamed in honor of St. Dominic, under whose name the father of the discoverer of the New World was baptized. The city of Santo Domingo stood on the east bank of the river until 1502, when it was destroyed by a powerful tropical hurricane. The new governor of Hispaniola, Nicholas de Ovando, ordered the restoration of Santo Domingo on the opposite bank of the river - in the place where it is located today.
The expeditions of Diego Velazquez de Cuellar and Hernan Cortes set off from Santo Domingo to conquer Cuba and Mexico. From here Vasco Nunez de Balboa rushed to the shores of modern Colombia, where he founded the first Spanish city on the mainland. In 1509, Diego Columbus, the eldest son of the great Spaniard, arrived in Santo Domingo and was granted the title of Viceroy of the Spanish colonies. Here a residence was built for him, which became known as Alcazar de Colon.
In 1586, Santo Domingo, one of the key outposts of the West Indies, was captured with amazing ease by the English privateer, Admiral Francis Drake. He demanded a ransom from the Spaniards in order to get out of here with his team of 1,200 people. After half the city was burned and destroyed, the townspeople collected 25,000 ducats for the invaders, who had been rampaging here for about a month, although they initially demanded almost 10 times more. Satisfied, the British left, taking with them, in addition, artillery pieces from the fort.
In the mid-17th century, the British set out to take over the Spanish colonies, and in 1655 Fort Santo Domingo was attacked by an armada under the command of General Robert Venables. This time the Spaniards put up worthy resistance to the British, and they retreated. However, at the same time West Coast The islands were captured by the French. In 1697, Spain had to officially recognize France's right to own these lands.
In 1791, the Haitian Revolution, the world's only successful slave uprising, began in the French colony. It ended with the formation of the first independent state in Latin America - the Republic of Haiti (1804). Santo Domingo was in the hands of Haitian rebels in 1800-1801, then the French established themselves here, and then the Spaniards again. In 1821, the city of Santo Domingo became the capital of the ephemeral independent state of Spanish Haiti, which existed for 2 months, after which it was captured by the troops of Republican Haiti. In 1844, the island was finally divided into two parts: the Republic of Haiti and the Dominican Republic, with its capital in Santo Domingo.
In the following decades, Santo Domingo witnessed economic and political chaos, accompanied by countless coups. In 1916, during the Banana Wars, the Dominican Republic was occupied by the United States. The years of occupation were marked by the growth of the country's economy and the construction of infrastructure facilities in its capital, but the Dominicans were oppressed by the loss of sovereignty. The first clash, which took place in Santo Domingo between US Marines and local residents, resulted in casualties on both sides. In 1924, the Americans left the island.
In 1930, the Dominican capital was hit by the deadly hurricane San Zenon. That same year, another coup took place in the country, and General Rafael Trujillo came to power. The bloody dictator ruled the state until 1961, when he himself became a victim of a conspiracy and was killed. IN last years During the dictatorship in Santo Domingo, which was now called Ciudad Trujillo, mass armed protests broke out more than once. The stabilization of the situation in the country is associated with the name of President Joaquino Balaguer. It was under him that in 1978, for the first time in the history of the country, power passed to the opposition peacefully. Today, the Dominican Republic is the largest economy in the Caribbean and Central America, and Santo Domingo has become a famous tourist destination. At the same time, the neighboring Republic of Haiti remains the poorest country in the New World.
Geography and areas
Santo Domingo is located in the southeastern part of the island of Haiti, in the south of the Dominican Republic, and occupies a flat stretch of the Caribbean coast. It spreads over an area of about 104 km² along coastline, having long ago crossed its historical boundaries within the Osama rivers in the east and Isabella in the north. It was off the coast of Osama, which flows here into the Caribbean Sea, that Christopher Columbus's ship dropped anchor when his expedition first approached the island.
The Osama, which today divides the city into eastern and western parts, is one of the longest rivers in the country, but it is also the most polluted. At its mouth, almost in the very center of the city, is the port of Santo Domingo. Luxury ships dock at its modern cruise terminals, Sans Sousi to the west and Don Diego, on the opposite bank of the river. The western and eastern banks of Osama are connected by a modern bridge, built next to the old drawbridge.
Santo Domingo is divided into squares by main streets that intersect at right angles, so if you remember their names, it will be quite easy to navigate the metropolis. They are sold in any souvenir or bookstore. The main arteries, bearing the names of Churchill, Lincoln, Maximo Gomez, Juan Duarte, cross the city from north to south. Avenues Independencia, Bolivar, Kennedy, 27 February Street stretch from west to east, as does the Malecon, a 15-kilometer boulevard that runs along the Caribbean Sea through the entire city. Officially, this boardwalk is called George Washington Avenue.
Due to the enormous length of Santo Domingo, you sometimes have to travel considerable distances along the coast to get from point “A” to point “B”. This also applies to attractions that are located in different neighborhoods. In the capital of the Dominican Republic, you will need to use public transport or taxis frequently if you don't want to limit your exploration to just strolling through the ancient quarters known as the Colonial or Old Town.
Roads radiate from Santo Domingo to the north, west and east; they do not intersect with each other. Tourists who want to get acquainted with different regions of the Dominican Republic will have to return each time to their starting point - the capital of the country.
Climate
In Santo Domingo, with its tropical climate, you can relax at any time of the year. The so-called summer season lasts from May to September, when daytime temperatures average +28...+31 °C, but can rise to +35 °C. The hottest months are July, August, September. Thanks to sea breezes and trade winds, Santo Domingo rarely experiences suffocating heat, and they moderate the humidity throughout the year, which is 65-80%.
The winter season lasts from October to April and is characterized by moderate temperatures: +25...+30 °C during the day. From November to March, cold fronts can bring short-term cooling down to +16...+18 °C.
The greatest amount of precipitation, and usually these are short but heavy downpours, occurs from May to October, and the least - in February-March. The waters of the Caribbean Sea warm up to +29...+31 °C in the summer season, and up to +26...+27 °C in the winter.
Since the island of Haiti lies in the path of tropical cyclones moving from the Atlantic and from the Lesser Antilles, Santo Domingo is exposed to the elements. In July-August, cyclones, each of which is called by a beautiful name in alphabetical order, are frequent guests on the island. The approach of a cyclone is preceded by rain, storm, and gusts of wind. In case of danger, the media constantly broadcast warnings, data on the development of the cyclone, and give advice on how to protect yourself. As the hurricane approaches, the pressure rises sharply, the sky takes on a leaden hue, it seems to sink lower, and the wind literally howls.
Currency
The official currency in the state is the Dominican peso, which is equal to 100 centavos. However, almost everywhere tourists can pay in American dollars. In many stores, the abbreviation of the US currency is displayed on the price tags. The main thing is not to get confused: local money is designated as RD$. Euros are rarely accepted. Rubles can only be exchanged at branches of large banks.
Note: the cost of entrance tickets to museums and some parks in Santo Domingo for foreign tourists is higher than for local residents.
Paying in dollars in the tourist areas of Santo Domingo is unprofitable: the exchange rate here is undervalued. But, if it’s more convenient for you, stock up on small dollar bills, since instead of change they may well offer sweets, chocolates and useless trinkets. The preposition is “no menudo”, that is, “no change”. In short, it is advisable to immediately exchange dollars or euros for local currency upon arrival. It is best to carry out the operation at one of the bank branches that can be found near any shopping center, or in small exchange offices in a tourist area. The most unfavorable rates are at hotels and airports.
Colonial city
The main tourist attractions of Santo Domingo are located in the area stretching from the western bank of the Osama River to the ruins of the fort that protected the city. Luxurious ancient quarters, the architectural appearance of which is united by the Isabelline (Late Gothic) and Plateresque (Early Renaissance) styles, are designated in guidebooks as Zona Colonial. To leisurely explore about 300 architectural monuments, wander through ancient streets and squares, and admire picturesque patios, you will need at least three days.
First of all, it’s worth taking a walk along the oldest cobbled street in the New World – Ladies’ (Calle Des Las Damas). It was named so due to the fact that crews of court ladies from the retinue of the vice-queen of the Spanish colony, the high-born Maria de Toledo, wife of Diego Columbus, constantly gathered here. They say that the street was paved so that ladies would not get their shoes and long skirts dirty.
At the end of Dame Street is the entrance gate of Carlos III, leading to the Osama Fortress. The stronghold was built between 1502-1507 by order of Nicholas de Ovando to protect the city from pirate attacks. This fortress was the first fortification built in America by Europeans. In its center stands the massive 18-meter tower Torre del Omenaje. You can climb up to admire the magnificent views. At different periods, the fortress was strengthened by the construction of small forts. It also served as a prison, where slaves and pirates, as well as deposed presidents, were kept. In the fortress you can see a statue of Gonzalo Fernandez de Oviedo, a conquistador, historian, chronicler of the era of the conquest of the New World.
On Ladies Street, next to the Osama Fortress, there is a monumental building from the Columbus era - the house of Rodrigo de Bastidas (Casa de Bastidas or Captain's Palace). The Bastidas family, influential in the New World, lived in the mansion. Rodrigo himself, a conquistador distinguished by his favorable attitude towards the Indians, is known for having founded the city of Santa Marta on the coast of Colombia, and one of his sons was the archbishop of San Juan (Puerto Rico). The residence covers an area of 3000 m² and includes state rooms, living quarters, utility rooms and an elegant courtyard bordered by openwork arcades. The renovated building now houses the Trampolin Children's Museum, and its other premises regularly host traveling exhibitions.
Another notable building on Ladies Street is the mansion of Hernan Cortes. According to legend, it was here that the legendary conquistador developed a plan to conquer Mexico. This impressive Gothic structure, built in 1507, is called the French House. Back in 1978, the Dominican government transferred the rights to it to France for a period of 50 years. Today the mansion houses the embassy of this country.
The National Pantheon building, built between 1714 and 1745 as a monastery and church for the Jesuits, is also impressive. Then there was a tobacco warehouse, a seminary, a theater, and, finally, in 1955, Trujillo ordered a pantheon of national heroes to be built here. The dictator planned to rest in one of the tombs of the pantheon, but among those buried here famous people today the remains of his killers are found. An ambiguous impression is made by the empty tombs, silently awaiting the death of living prominent figures here. The central span of the building, together with the side chapels, has the shape of a cross. Under the dome hangs a huge copper chandelier - a gift from the Spanish Generalissimo Franco. The swastika bars on the second floor were taken from a Nazi prison. You can visit the pantheon for free, but entry here in shorts and miniskirts is prohibited.
The former residence of Nicholas de Ovando, located not far from the pantheon, also looks impressive, adjacent to which is the governor’s personal chapel and his own mini-fort with cannons. Today, rooms with terraces facing the river, magnificent patios with fountains, and antique furniture are the property of the Hodelpa Nicolas de Ovando 4 *+ hotel.
To the north of the pantheon is the Museum of the Royal Houses. During the colonial era this palace complex, consisting of two buildings, was the first in the New World Supreme Court, royal treasury, royal audience hall. This museum palace ensemble became in 1973. It received the name “Royal” three years later, when the King of Spain, Juan Carlos I, arrived at its official opening.
The main entrance is decorated with the coats of arms of Charles I of Spain, the island of Hispaniola and the city of Santo Domingo. The museum displays treasures found in Dominican waters and exhibits illustrating the history of the Spanish conquests: engravings, maps, weapons from different eras. Entrance here will cost $2.
Opposite the museum is one of the most unusual monuments of Santo Domingo - the Sundial, also called the Royal. The clock was installed in 1753, and since then, according to the townspeople, it has not been wrong for a minute. Nearby is the Place de Armas, in the center of which stands the statue of Nicolas de Ovando.
On the spacious esplanade, near the banks of the Osama River, stands the Alcazar de Colon Palace, built in 1510-1514 at the behest of Diego Columbus and which served as the family and gubernatorial residence. Fifteen hundred Indians, under the guidance of an architect specially summoned from Spain, built this building from hand-quarried coral reef blocks. The Alcazar housed the viceroy's court for about 60 years. The legendary Spanish conquistadors Cortes, Ponce de Leon and Balboa hatched plans to conquer the American continent within its walls.
The Alcazar, which has a quadrangular shape, is strict, impressive, and combines Gothic and Arabic styles in its appearance. The facade, decorated at the corners with slender, spreading palm trees, impresses with spectacular arches framing each of the two floors. Today, it houses the most visited museum in Santo Domingo, where furniture, weapons, paintings, manuscripts, unique tapestries and other art objects of the 14th-16th centuries are exhibited. Most of the museum exhibits are a gift from the Spanish government. Behind the palace lies a luxurious garden overlooking the river. A visit to the museum will cost $2.
Near the Alcazar there is the Sea Gate of Santo Domingo (1540-1555). Previously, only through them did travelers and goods enter the fortified city. Outside the gates rise the remaining buildings of Fort San Diego, which for centuries defended the city from invasions from the sea.
To the north of the Alcazar stretches Atarasana Street with a suite of buildings erected at the beginning of the 16th century. They housed customs services and arsenals. After the reconstruction of this ancient corner of Santo Domingo in 1972, art galleries, bars, restaurants, and small shops were located here.
At the beginning of the street, in the Las Atarasanas Reales building, decorated with arches, columns and galleries, a museum was opened in 1990, displaying a rich collection of weapons, dishes, jewelry, ancient coins, unique crystal vases, and marine navigational instruments. All these treasures were found in 1976 in the holds of sunken galleons that wrecked in the territorial waters of the Dominican Republic in the 17th-18th centuries.
On Isabella Catholic Street is the first stone house in Santo Domingo, built in 1503. First, Francisco de Garay, the companion of Christopher Columbus and the richest colonist in America, lived there, then, during the construction of the Alcazar Palace, Diego Columbus and Maria de Toledo lived there, and their two daughters were born here. In 1586, scales were installed within the walls of the House of the Ribbon, on which jewels brought by townspeople were weighed before delivering them as ransom to the extortionists led by Francis Drake. The building got its name from the Franciscan sash engraved on its façade.
On the same street is the house-museum of Juan Pablo Duarte, one of the founders of the Dominican Republic, a fighter for the country's independence. Nearby is the Church of St. Barbara, built in 1537 in wood and later rebuilt in stone. Duarte's parents were parishioners of this church, and he was baptized here. Inside the church you can see two magnificent baroque altars. The church garden offers spectacular views of the colonial city.
On Arzobispo Merino Street, which runs parallel to the Dame, is the Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor. Diego Columbus laid the first stone of this building in 1514. In 1546, Pope Paul II declared the church the main cathedral of the metropolis, giving it authority over all the churches of the New World. Until 1992, the remains of Christopher Columbus rested in the marble mausoleum.
Christopher Columbus died on May 20, 1506 in Valladolid and was buried in Seville. In 1540, his ashes were transported to Santo Domingo, where the great navigator wanted to rest in peace, according to his will. It is believed that in 1785, when the Spanish authorities were forced to move to Cuba, they took with them the urn with the remains of Columbus stored in the cathedral and reburied it in the main temple of Havana. Later, the urn was handed over to representatives of the Spanish authorities to return the relics of the national hero to Seville. Today it is located in the Seville Cathedral.
However, in 1877, during restoration work at the Cathedral of Santo Domingo, Padre Francisco Billini discovered another lead urn with the inscription “Don Christopher Columbus, first admiral of the Americas.” She was ceremoniously placed in a mausoleum inside the cathedral, where she remained until her reburial at the Columbus Lighthouse in 1992.
The Dominican and Spanish sides are still arguing over which of them is the honorary owner of the relic. The intrigue comes from historical data that back in 1586, during the siege of the city by Francis Drake, the Archbishop of Santo Domingo ordered that absolutely all inscriptions on the tombs located in the main cathedral be erased in order to avoid desecration of the graves. It is also suspicious that the Dominican authorities flatly refuse to exhume the remains for DNA testing.
The church of Santa Maria la Menor, built from coral, looks very impressive; Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance styles are intertwined in its external and internal decoration. The facade, trimmed with golden coral and decorated with the imperial coat of arms of Charles V, busts of the evangelists and the apostles Peter and Paul, is a masterpiece spanish architecture Renaissance. The luxurious main altar of the temple is made of mahogany and dates back to 1684.
Near the temple there is Columbus Park, in the center of which a monument to the great navigator was erected in 1887. The discoverer of the New World proudly stands on an impressive pedestal, on which is depicted a touching, graceful figure of the beautiful Anakoana, the ruler of one of the Indian tribes. She seems to personify the hopelessness of the situation of her people, faced with the power and cruelty of the conquistadors. From the park, which was once the center of the colonial city, the pedestrian street of El Conde stretches for almost a kilometer through the Old Town. There are atmospheric restaurants, souvenir and tobacco shops here.
On the street named after Padre Billini, it will be interesting to visit the Museum of the Dominican Family of the 19th Century. It is housed in a typical colonial house, built at the beginning of the 16th century and owned by the Tostado family. The museum displays an impressive collection of wicker and wooden furniture; the interiors of living rooms, dining rooms, and libraries, typical of wealthy Dominicans, have been recreated.
At the intersection of Billini and Isabella Catholic streets there is the Santa Clara Monastery and the church of the same name. The monastery, built in 1522 for Clarice nuns, became the first monastery of the New World. Today there is a monastery school here. The Church of Santa Clara, very ascetic on the outside, unexpectedly amazes with the richness of its interiors. Particularly impressive is the mahogany altar inlaid with gold. Many colonial buildings have been preserved on Hostos Street, one of the most beautiful in Santo Domingo. Its stone-paved roadways and sidewalks have more than once become the stage for filming films, among which the most famous was “The Godfather 3.”
To the southwest, the Colonial City is bordered by the fashionable Gascouet district, with its leafy streets and elegant Victorian houses. Next door, on the site of the former estate of the mother of dictator Trujillo, lies the Plaza de la Culture. Curious tourists should head to this corner of Santo Domingo. The most famous capital museums are located here: the Museum of Nature, dedicated to the Dominican fauna; Museum of Modern Art, where the works of the country's best artists are collected; Museum of History and Geography, Museum of Dominican Man with exhibitions demonstrating the culture of the island's inhabitants from pre-Columbian times to the present day. The square also houses the National Theater and the National Library. The buildings are surrounded by a magnificent shady park, replete with sculptures and fountains.
Malecon
The Malecon, or George Washington Avenue, runs along the rocky coastline along the entire length of Santo Domingo. Everything that reflects the character and appearance of the city is concentrated on this embankment boulevard. Luxurious casinos coexist with shabby shops, fashionable hotels and restaurants coexist with cheap eateries. Under slender, elegant palm trees there are concrete benches, many of which are clearly in need of repair, and piles of garbage have accumulated near the seashore. The local boys are not embarrassed by this, and they desperately dive into the water. Some people cast a spinning rod - the fishermen have built special bridges here.
For walks, tourists usually choose the central part of the Malecon - between the colonial part of the city and Lincoln Avenue. Here, bars, restaurants, and dance floors await them at every turn. After sunset, the fun begins, the open terraces of restaurants are filled to capacity, incendiary musical rhythms are heard from everywhere, and the Malecon turns into a kind of disco with open air. You need to come here in the appropriate mood, forgetting about snobbery. Beyond the busy area, a poorly lit section of the boulevard begins. It is not recommended to rush into its wilds - you can easily be left without a wallet.
The Malecon is a traditional venue for carnivals and other holidays, for which Dominicans usually carefully prepare, abandoning work. In February-March, to the sounds of fiery Creole music and African drums, the country's most grandiose carnival procession takes place in Santo Domingo. In July, the whole city dances at the merengue festival, which smoothly flows into the celebration of Independence Day from Spain (August 16). It's fun on the Malecón and during Holy Week, the wild festivities here are similar to pagan ones. There is also a tradition in Santo Domingo to celebrate the sunrise on January 1st on the coastal boulevard.
Eastern part of Santo Domingo
On the opposite bank of Osama, the atmosphere is less lively, but there are also interesting places for tourists. Most travelers cross the bridge to see the Columbus Lighthouse. The impressive concrete building - 310 m long, 44 m wide and 33 m high - appeared relatively recently, on the 500th anniversary of Columbus's discovery of America. The lighthouse, which looks like a multi-stage pyramid from the side and like a cross from above, rises in the middle of the Mirador del Este park on the hill where Spanish sailors installed the first signal structure in 1496.
The Dominican historian Antonio del Monte Tejada proposed to perpetuate the memory of the great admiral by building a monument in the place where the history of Santo Domingo began back in 1852. However, the actual construction of the monumental lighthouse began almost 100 years later and was completed in 1992. For the festivities, which Pope John Paul II honored with his presence, a marble mausoleum containing the supposed remains of Christopher Columbus was moved here. The building houses a museum exhibition dedicated to the history of the conquest of the American continent and the stages of creation of the monument itself. There are 157 spotlights on its roof, projecting a majestic blood-red cross bordered by a white line onto the night sky. It seems to float above the city, and the light from it can be seen 70 km away. True, powerful floodlights are turned on only on special occasions, since their operation causes problems with power supply in the surrounding areas.
From the lighthouse to the east stretches the Mirador del Este park. Here, for the recreation of citizens and tourists, there are recreation areas, sports and children's playgrounds, alleys decorated with original sculptures are laid among lush tropical vegetation. The territory of Mirador del Este hides many grottoes and caves, the most impressive of which is Los Tres Ojos (or “Three Eyes”), which gave its name to the unique natural park. The cup-shaped cave was created as a result of earthquakes that occurred several centuries ago. Over time, it was filled with the waters of an underground river, thanks to which three lakes were formed - fresh, salty and sulfurous. Today they are connected by stone-lined paths, and observation decks are located near the reservoirs.
The water in each lake has its own color: rich aquamarine, greenish-yellow, transparent yellow. You can take a raft ride on the largest of the lakes, which is located in a huge cave hall decorated with bizarre stalactites and stalagmites.
Not far from the Columbus Lighthouse is the Santo Domingo National Aquarium, where you can get acquainted with underwater world tropical latitudes. 90 open and closed aquariums and 7 ponds are home to sharks, moray eels, sea turtles, starfish, and iguanas are kept in a separate enclosure. It is very convenient to watch the ocean inhabitants and photograph them while walking through the transparent tunnel. The territory is equipped with a playground for children, a cafe, and an area with picnic tables. A visit to the aquarium will cost $4.
Entertainment
Lovers of relaxing outdoor recreation can have a great time in one of the many parks in Santo Domingo. During sultry hours, it is worth heading to the National Botanical Garden, located in the western part of the city - the largest in the Caribbean. A great variety of tropical plants are collected on its territory. It’s nice to stroll around the park on foot, but you can also use the services of a train that goes around all the most interesting corners of the garden. Admission ticket will cost $2, and a comprehensive one, including a trip and a visit to a small museum, will cost $5.
To the north of the botanical garden there is a zoo. In essence, this is a nature reserve, there are no cages, and the territory where dangerous animals live is limited by ditches and nets. Cougars, for example, live in lowlands with stone walls. Felines in the zoo are also represented by tigers, lions, jaguars, giant animals - rhinoceroses, hippos; birds - cassowaries, flamingos, parrots different types, bright tropical birds. Shows are regularly held in the bird aviary. Entry to the zoo costs $2. Please note that the area in which it is located is disadvantaged. It’s better to come here by taxi (from the center - $6).
You can have a good time in the Mirador del Sur park, in the southwest of Santo Domingo. This green oasis floats above the city like a mirage. Visitors are greeted by shady alleys, beautiful sculptures, fountains, bars and cafeterias, as well as an artificial lake where you can ride a pedalo.
It is also worth visiting the La Caleta underwater park, a popular diving site in the vicinity of Santo Domingo. Here fans of this sport will find long coral reefs and underwater caves inhabited by bizarre tropical fish, stingrays, and turtles. On the seabed, at a depth of 18 to 30 m, there are wrecks of sunken ships and specially sunken vessels that have become shelters for marine inhabitants. There are no underwater currents here, so the area is safe even for beginner divers. Excursions to La Caleta from Santo Domingo are organized for an average of $40 per person, including diving equipment.
Exotic lovers can go on a trip along the river on one of the small river ships, moored at the port of San Diego. The ships rise several kilometers upstream of the Osama, which makes it possible to see from the river the Columbus Lighthouse, the Colonial City, modern neighborhoods and slums of the Dominicans who came to the capital to seek their fortune. However, this sight does not evoke negative emotions, perhaps due to the lush tropical vegetation that protectively hides the wretchedness of the cans.
After sunset, Santo Domingo reveals to tourists all the diversity of its nightlife, the most crowded of all Caribbean cities. Please note that it is not customary to wear sneakers and T-shirts to local nightlife establishments, and the strict dress code adopted in most of them will not allow you to dress frivolously: you need to look respectable.
The most fashionable nightclubs and bars can be found in hotels located in the Gascouet district and its surrounding areas. Here, lovers of exclusivity can visit elite cigar clubs, for example, the elegant Arturo Fuente Cigar Club, where musicians play jazz and chefs prepare gourmet dishes.
A constant favorite of young people - night club Jet Set with its live music and merengue shows from popular dance groups. The country's most famous DJs perform at Abacus Club. In this club, girls are periodically treated to free drinks. Fans of merengue and bachata should head to Bachata Rosa. The Guacara Taina club attracts with its location in an inclined cave, at a depth of 15 m. The dance floor is at the very bottom, and above there are niches where you can retire and relax. Opposite the Alcazar Palace, almost all the bars are worthy of attention.
Strip clubs Golden Legs and Doll House offer frank exotic dances performed by dark-skinned beauties. A casino awaits those who want to try their luck in Santo Domingo. They can be found in five-star hotels, mainly in those located on the Malecon.
Beaches
There are no beaches in Santo Domingo itself, but 30 km from the capital there is resort town Boca Chica. Its magnificent beaches with fine, flour-like sand, washed by the gentle blue waters of the Caribbean Sea, are among the best in the country. Boca Chica lies in a lagoon protected by coral reefs, the depth here is only 1.5 m. The sea here is clear, luxurious palm trees imposingly lean over the water and create natural shade for vacationers.
On the beach you can rent ATVs, banana boats, and kayaks. Those interested can go to motor boat away from the shore, and within 10 minutes of travel you can find great places for diving.
Shopping in Santo Domingo
Fans of traditional shopping in Santo Domingo will find huge shopping and entertainment centers. The most famous of them are Agora Mall, Sambill, BlueMall, Galeria 360, located in the western part of the city, and Megacentro, located on the eastern bank of Osama. The shopping center presents almost all world brands, as well as products from local manufacturers at very affordable prices. Specialized stores offer a wide selection of rum, coffee, and cigars.
For original souvenirs, head to the shops located in the Colonial City. The most interesting of them are located at pedestrian street El Conde. Interesting shopping can be done at the famous Mercado Modelo market, which opened in 1942. Today, a variety of handicraft products are sold here. It is worth noting that in the Dominican Republic crafts are rather poorly developed, with the exception of the production of wickerwork, ceramics and jewelry. Products self made It is mostly of Haitian origin and is imported into the country at ridiculous prices.
The Mercado Modelo counters are replete with jewelry made from black coral, greenish amber and larimar, a semi-precious stone found only in the Dominican Republic and Italy. Cost – from 15 $. Wooden figurines, strange faceless Lime dolls, carnival masks, ambergris, delicious coffee, cocoa, chocolate, cosmetics based on coconut oil, and avocado are sold everywhere. Here you can buy original musical instruments, primitivist paintings by local and Haitian artists, as well as mecedoras - rocking chairs in which Dominicans relax on the verandas. Separate rows are occupied by “magical” objects: amulets, magic potions, enchanted medallions and jewelry. Under the Mamajuana logo, herbal tinctures are sold, which, according to sellers, cure all diseases. It is not recommended to use this miraculous product as a fun drink; it is better to buy rum. The primacy in this niche is contested by the three most famous brands: Brugal, Barcelo, Bermudes. True, experts say that there are other, no less wonderful brands.
Santo Domingo is the place to buy cigars: the country is one of the leaders in tobacco production, second only to Cuba. You should not buy cigars on the street; it is better to go to a store at the manufacturer's factory, where a tasting is offered before purchase. Check out, for example, Caoba Cigar Factory, near Plaza Columbus, or Le Leyenda del Cigarro on El Conde. Cigar prices vary significantly, ranging from $5 to $100 per piece and above.
Local kitchen
Dominican cuisine is based on Spanish, African and French culinary traditions. Locals prefer simple food, lightly spiced. Main products: rice, red beans, chicken, pork, beef, bananas - they are used not only as dessert, but also fried, served with meat as a side dish. Fish and seafood, despite their abundance and variety, are not particularly revered by Dominicans, unlike tourists, among whom establishments offering seafood are popular.
In Santo Domingo, you should definitely try the national dishes: sancocho (stew of vegetables and meat), sancocho prieto (stew of 7 varieties of different meats), moro (rice with red beans or other vegetables), mangu (yucca puree with onions, which served with meat), pastele en ojas (meat and vegetables baked in banana leaves). Seafood has a common name - “mariscos”. Traditional dishes include cangrejo guisado (crab marinated with herbs, cooked in sauce), pescado con coco (fish in coconut milk sauce).
You can get an inexpensive meal in Santo Domingo at pica-polo eateries, which usually offer chicken and tostones - round fried slices of banana, at freituras - they serve deep-fried meat and fish. You can stop by comedoras, where pre-prepared dishes are displayed in display cases. The menu of colmados eateries includes drinks, sandwiches, and cakes, which you can eat at a table next to very gambling domino players. In such establishments, a snack will cost $3, and a hearty lunch will cost $8 per person. You can spend approximately the same amount by ordering a pizza or a hamburger at one of the fast food chains.
Mid- and high-end restaurants and cafes can be found in the historic city center, on the Malecon and in the Gascouet district. Prices may vary significantly between establishments. As a rule, they range from $15-75 per person (first and second course, drink, dessert). When ordering a dish, check whether the price includes the mandatory 10% tip and 18% VAT, so you don’t have to wonder later why the amount on the check doesn’t match what’s on the menu.
Among the alcoholic drinks in Santo Domingo, the most popular is, of course, rum. It is offered neat or diluted with cola, served with a slice of green lemon and big amount ice. All rum-based cocktails are simply excellent, but the most famous is the Pina Colada. You won't find local wines here, but Chilean wines are available everywhere.
Where to stay
In Santo Domingo, the hotel infrastructure is well developed. Most hotels are located in the most popular tourist destinations. But even in the most remote areas, hotels offer customers basic comfort.
In hotels belonging to the prestigious chains Sheraton, InterContinental, Marriott, Hilton, daily accommodation will cost from $100 to $370, depending on the season and room class. Those who wish to stay in one of the five-star historical boutique hotels, for example, Casas del XVI 5* (Padre Billini, 252), will have to pay even more. Located in the heart of the Old Town, it occupies three buildings, some of the buildings date back to the 16th century. They are beautifully restored, and in the hotel rooms modern amenities harmoniously coexist with authentic period interiors. By paying $300-570 per room per night, you can easily try on the role of a Spanish nobleman. There are more modest options. So, in the Boutique Hotel Palacio 3*+ (Calle Duarte, 106), which also occupies an ancient building, daily accommodation will cost $85-150.
You can stay in one of the modern three-star hotels in Santo Domingo by paying $60-120; in guest houses prices start from $35 per night. A place in a hostel will cost at least $21.
Transport
Public transport in Santo Domingo is represented by buses, metro, and minibuses. Buses serve long routes and connect the capital with outlying areas. They are usually used by Dominicans to get to their place of work. The fare is inexpensive - $0.5-1. Tourists who do not speak Spanish should not board regular buses. Their routes are not clearly marked; you have to check with the driver for details.
The Santo Domingo Metropolitan has two lines. The subway is very functional, without a confusing tariff system or complicated transitions. One branch leads from north to south, the other from west to east. Visitors to the city usually use the second line, connecting popular tourist areas in the west with the eastern bank of the Osama River, which is geographically closer to the airport. The Santo Domingo metro is one of the most budget-friendly in the world, the cost of a one-time ticket is about $0.6. Opening hours: 06:00-23:00.
Those who wish can use the services of guagua - this is an analogue of our minibuses, they run in certain directions, each of which has its own fixed price. Another option is carro publico, a kind of collective taxi. Movement is carried out as follows: a passenger car, following a given course, picks up and drops off passengers along the way. Typically, 4 people can be seated in the back seat and two in the front seat. This allows you to save money and make acquaintances with sociable Dominicans along the way.
Taxis in Santo Domingo are not equipped with meters, but there are fixed tariffs for distances of 5-10 km: about 4-7 $. The cost of longer trips is negotiated with the driver.
Those interested can use the motoconcho service. A dashing moped driver will give you a lift to Right place for 1-2 $ depending on the distance, completely ignoring the traffic rules.
And St. Petersburg are carried out 1-2 times a week, but there are many other, longer options. You can find convenient connections and check flight prices on the website Aviasales.ru. Here you can find out the schedule of direct charter flights Moscow – Santo Domingo (travel time – 12 hours 35 minutes). These flights are operated by Nordwind Airlines several times a month, depending on the season.
The most convenient way to get from Las Americas Airport to Santo Domingo is by taxi, but it is expensive: from $25 to $40. The trip will take about half an hour. You can also get to the city by minibus. This transport runs every 20-30 minutes from dawn until approximately 19:00 (depending on aircraft arrival schedules). The fare is $1.5-2. The bus terminus is located near Enriquillo Park, close to the colonial quarters.
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 Dominican Republic Freed itself from 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 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.
There is more a little further small area Padre Billini. There 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”.
Modern look historical building acquired 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 Independence National Park. 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 planning 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.
Santo Domingo - oldest city America. It is inextricably linked with the history of the conquest of the New World. The great discoverer Christopher Columbus found his final rest here - his remains rest in a giant lighthouse on the shore Caribbean Sea. It is believed that the first paved roads on American soil, a university and christian cathedral appeared precisely in Santo Domingo.
People come here to get acquainted with colonial culture - local architecture contains features of the Renaissance, Arabic, Gothic and Romanesque styles. This is a place of mixture of European, African and Indian traditions. Bright, noisy, colorful Santo Domingo invites its guests to enjoy tropical beauty, delve into the mysteries of history, and experience life in the Caribbean style.
How to get to Santo Domingo
Aeroflot, Air France and Jet Blue fly to Santo Domingo. You can get from Moscow Sheremetyevo to the capital's Las Americas Airport in at least 15 hours 50 minutes with one transfer in Madrid, New York, Paris or Milan. Air Europe offers a two-stop flight in Barcelona and Madrid, the journey takes 18.5 hours.
From airport to city
Las Americas Airport is located 35 km from the capital. You can get to the city by bus; you should look for a stop at the exit from the terminal. Flights are every half hour, but it is not so easy to get into the cabin due to the large number of applicants; travel time 40 minutes. Taxi drivers charge about 2000 DOP for a transfer from the airport to the city. Prices on the page are as of November 2018.
Search flights to Santo Domingo
How to navigate Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo is divided into two parts by the Osama River. The western one is considered the business and cultural center of the capital, and the eastern one (Santo Domingo Oriental) is considered historical. Most interesting for tourists The areas are the Colonial Zone, located on the west bank of the river facing the Caribbean Sea. Here, a little to the west, is Santo Domingo’s old neighbor, the Gazcue district, with many Victorian-style houses and green streets. In the vicinity of this area are the National Theatre, the Museum of the Plaza de la Cultura, the National Palace (Palacio Nacional) - the modern seat of government, and the Palace of Fine Arts. George Washington Avenue (better known as El Malecon) is where most of the hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions are located.
The central part of western Santo Domingo is the "commercial" heart of the city. This place is known as Poligono Central and is bounded by 27 de Febrero, John F. Kennedy, Winston Churchill and Maximo Gomez streets. There is little that may be of interest to vacationers here, except for the best restaurants and shops in the city.
In the less developed eastern part of the city, Oriental Santo Domingo, are the remaining important tourist attractions of the capital: Columbus Lighthouse, caves national park Los Tres Ojos and aquarium. In addition, in the vicinity of the city there are two large park- botanical garden (Jardin Botanico) in the north and Mirador Sur park in the south (Parque Mirador Sur).
Transport
Almost all the attractions of Santo Domingo are located within walking distance, but you can also take a ride on public transport. There is a metro in the Dominican capital. True, there is only one branch so far, but the second one is expected to be launched. Route taxis there are two types here. Minibuses “gua-gua” travel like our minibuses, adhering to a given direction, and “carro publico” is a shared taxi. For those who like to ride with the breeze, there is another option - a “moto con chauffer” or a moped with a driver. Cheap, fast, but not always safe.
Local taxis do not have meters; you need to negotiate the price with the driver in advance. You should not pay more than 700 DOP for a trip around the city.
Zona Bici - bike rental for tourists in Santo Domingo, offering touring bikes, tandems and bikes for riding with children (office site in English). In addition to the bike, the bike rental kit includes a helmet, a lock and a bottle of water.
Maps of Santo Domingo
Rent a Car
There are many companies involved in car rental in Santo Domingo - among them the well-known Budget, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, AutoEurope, Hertz, etc. Their offices can be found right at the airport - in the main exit corridor near the North Terminal.
The roads of Santo Diego are not very friendly to motorists, especially not local ones - local drivers drive quickly and without regard for the rules, markings are often missing, and the police can be biased. A safer and more profitable option is to arrange trips with a taxi driver. They are willing to make contact, take on the role of a tour guide and help in resolving many issues.
The traffic police do not have the right to demand payment of a fine on the spot - a fine receipt must be issued, which must be taken to the bank.
Fines for violating traffic rules are low. Only significant speeding is strictly punished. There is also a fine for parking in the wrong place, and figuring out where you can park is not so easy. It is better to leave your car in a paid parking lot - the price per hour is 100 DOP.
Santo Domingo Hotels
There are plenty of hotels in Santo Domingo and they are mainly concentrated in the center. There are expensive hotels of proven quality - belonging to the Sheraton, InterContinental, Marriott and Hilton chains speaks for itself. You can become their guest for 7,500 DOP per day. A room in a regular three-room apartment in the Colonial Zone will cost 5,000 DOP.
Proximity to the sea affects the wear and tear of the number of rooms. When choosing a hotel, you should pay attention to the date of its renovation.
The most expensive accommodation option is boutique hotels located in restored buildings from the 16th century. An overnight stay under tiled Roman roofs surrounded by a recreated historical setting will cost 17,000 DOP for a double room. Hostels offer budget accommodation: 700 DOP per person per night.
For lovers of a beach lifestyle, the Boca Chica resort is a 20-minute drive from the capital. This is an area with a developed tourist infrastructure and many first-line hotels operating on an all-inclusive basis. A 3* hotel will cost 2500 DOP per day for a double room.
Beaches
In the capital itself, the coast is rocky and there are no beaches, but in its surroundings there are many places for swimming with a typical Caribbean landscape - snow-white sand, azure sea and palm trees. The popular beaches of Boca Chica resort are a 25-minute drive from Santo Domingo. The place is suitable for families with children - the depth increases gradually, there are no strong waves. Nearby eateries offer fresh seafood. Beach equipment rental is available. There are especially many vacationers on weekends.
Entrance to the unfenced part of the beach is free. Sun loungers and umbrellas are paid everywhere - their rental will cost 60 DOP per day.
A 10-minute drive from Boca Chica is Caribe Beach, where, in addition to families with children, fans of boarding gather. There is always a side wind here. Adults prefer to catch waves in the depths, while children splash in the salty spray in shallow water. The picturesque Guayacanes beach is suitable for a secluded holiday - usually only locals relax there. This is a quiet area without tourist infrastructure.
Juan Dolio is a beach in the resort of the same name, about an hour's drive from the capital. This is a tourist paradise with a lot of entertainment and cafes at every turn. Many coral reefs attract divers.
Diving in Santo Domingo
Diving enthusiasts are attracted to Santo Domingo national park"La Caleta". Divers from all over the world come here to visit the Taino cave system, named after the Indian tribe - the ancestors of modern Dominicans. At a depth of 48 m, divers will find complex passages, winding tunnels, a cluster of stalactites and a halocline - a place where salt and fresh water meet. The local underwater karst caves similar to those that exist off the Yucotan Peninsula.
Of particular interest to divers is the accumulation of ships on the seabed. These include Spanish galleons that sank in the 18th century and a modern 39-meter expedition ship. In the waters of Juan Dolio, at a depth of 30 m, a 65-meter vessel lies. All objects are covered with a thick layer of formations of corals and algae, and from sea creatures here you can find beautiful tropical fish, stingrays, reef sharks, turtles, starfish and urchins.
Many dive centers offer their services to beginners and experienced divers. The warm Caribbean Sea allows you to dive comfortably all year round, excluding the period from September to November, when strong hurricanes occur.
What to bring
The most anticipated souvenir from Santo Domingo is Caribbean rum, and you can surprise your friends with the exotic local liqueur Mama Juana. It contains all kinds of herbal ingredients, honey and rum. “Mamajuana” has a strong tonic effect and is considered an aphrodisiac. The drink is sold both ready-made and in the form of a bag with dry ingredients for self-preparation.
El Conde Street is like our Arbat.
Santo Domingo is the birthplace of the coffee variety of the same name. It is very popular in the country and is considered one of the best in the world. A pack of Santo Domingo can be purchased at any grocery store. Local cigars are also valued; they are no worse than Cuban ones.
A large selection of souvenirs, handicrafts, fruits and products - at the oldest bazaar in the capital, El Mercado Modelo; on the beach, all this is much more expensive.
The sky-blue Larimar stone is a symbol of these places. It looks especially advantageous in silver jewelry. To avoid running into a fake, you should buy jewelry in specialized stores Ambar Tres and L’Ile Au Tresor. As a souvenir of the sunny island, they bring cane sugar and natural cosmetics with cocoa and coconut butter.
Cuisine and restaurants of Santo Domingo
The cuisine of Santo Domingo is based on Spanish, African and French culinary traditions. It is based on simple foods - legumes, rice, vegetables, fruits, chicken and pork. Local chefs often cook food over coals, wrapping it in banana palm leaves, so the dish acquires special flavors. Bananas themselves are used not only in desserts. The “platano” variety is served only fried as a side dish for meat or an addition to vegetables.
Local eateries are called “comadores”. A large portion of “plato del dia” of rice, meat, legumes and lettuce will cost 250 DOP there along with a drink. It is recommended to try crabs in cangrejo guisado sauce, sancocho stew, and asopao soup. In addition, there are Chinese, French, Italian, and Brazilian restaurants.
Authentic street food- These are cassabé flatbreads made from cassava, and empanada pies, which are prepared in the establishments of the same name. You can quench your thirst with freshly squeezed juices. There is a large selection of exotic fruits - mango, pitahaya, passion fruit, papaya, mamon, gunabana, granadilla.
Entertainment and attractions
The main promenade of the capital is Las Damas Street. It is worth walking along its ancient paving stones to see the changing of the guard of honor at the National Pantheon, or admire the mansions of the famous conquerors of the New World. Among the examples of colonial architecture, the Palace of Columbus (Alcazar de Colon) stands out - a residence built without a single nail from coral blocks.
The surrounding areas of Las Damas, with Victorian houses and tree-lined alleys, are part of the Colonial Zone, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
One of the symbols of Santo Domingo - Cathedral Santa Maria la Menor (Calle Isabel La Catolica). It was founded by the son of Columbus and is considered the oldest Christian temple America. In the park opposite there is a monument to the great navigator.
The Malecon promenade (George Washington Avenue), stretching for 15 km along the Caribbean Sea, is a place where life is in full swing in the evenings.
On the other side of the Osama River lies the Mirador el Este park, its high hill is decorated with a monumental structure - the Columbus Lighthouse (Fara o Colon). Inside the memorial, made in the shape of a cross, lie the remains of the great discoverer. Not far from the lighthouse is the Three Lakes Park, named after the natural landmark - three limestone caves with an underground lake, stalactites and stalagmites.
Museums of Santo Domingo
The history of Santo Domingo from the 15th to the 19th centuries is presented in the Museum of Royal Houses on the famous Las Damas street. Exhibits dating back to the pre-Columbian era are kept in the Museum of Dominican Man in the Plaza de la Culture - its visitors will get acquainted with the culture of the Taino Indians, artifacts ancient world and the legacy of colonial influence.
The Amber Museum (office site in English), located on El Conde Street, tells about the history of amber mining on the island. It houses rare specimens of amber fossils and a jewelry collection of amber and larimar. Details of the life of one of the founders of the state, Juan Pablo Duarte, are presented in his house-museum (Calle Isabel La Catolica).
Works of painting and sculpture are shown at the Bellaparte Museum (Av. John F. Kennedy) and the Museum of Modern Art (Av. Pedro Henriquez Urena). You can taste the exhibits at the Jamon Museum (Calle Atarazana, 17), the Chocolate Museum (Calle Arzopispo Merino, 254) and the Rum and Sugar Cane Museum (Calle Isabel la Catolica, 261).
, 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. As in any other big 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 there is not much to expand on here - practically the only beach in Santo Domingo is private beach on its outskirts is Aura Beach: there are no crowds of tourists here, and in a small restaurant you can enjoy freshly caught seafood.
That, perhaps, is the whole value of the beach.
But actually, no one goes to Santo Domingo for a beach holiday. You can spend much more useful time here studying the historical monuments of Santo Domingo, and there are a great many 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: it has been home to both discoverers and conquerors, literally everything here is imbued with the spirit of historical events, and the houses built with special care in the colonial style remind of the difficult fate of this city, which marked the beginning of the path of conquest towards both 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 shores in 1492. Due to the fact that this city resembled a place of paradise, the first settlers from Europe chose the current capital of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo.
During the colonial wars, the purpose of which was control over by sea routes, this city was inhabited, displacing each other, by the Dutch, the Spaniards, the French, the English and the Portuguese.
And another battle was fought from the sea - pirates robbed ships sailing 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, arriving in the modern Latin American metropolis of Santo Domingo today, you can plunge into the events of bygone days and feel the unique atmosphere that reigned here many centuries ago.
Sights of Santo Domingo
A particularly colorful place is Santo Domingo, its colonial quarter with many historical monuments, for example the Cathedral of Santa Maria, the construction of which dates back to the 16th century. This quarter is capable of not letting tourists out of the embrace of that famous era for a long time.
In the historical center there is a building that once belonged to the governor of Hispaniola, Nicolás de Ovando, after whom it is named. Everything here reminds us of how he ruled the island from here at the beginning of the 16th century. This building amazes 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 displays exhibitions from the Renaissance and the Middle Ages.
However, the historical events of Santo Domingo have long since sunk into the past and the city lives in the present: the ancient cobblestone streets of the colonial quarter are lined with luxurious restaurants, boutiques and hotels, and modern residents no longer resemble their heroic ancestors.
But still, the old historical center of modern Santo Domingo has that special magic and charm that is inherent in cities with a rich history and cultural heritage.
While vacationing in the Dominican Republic, be sure to book a tour of historical places Santo Domingo in order to touch living history of the capital of the Dominican Republic, You will be interested!