Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – the very first city to appear on the map of America. Many houses, streets and even the airport are associated with the name of one person – Christopher Columbus.
General information
Santo Domingo is the cultural, political and economic center of the Dominican Republic. Located in the southern part of the country, it covers an area of 104.44 km2. The population is just over two million. Most of the inhabitants profess Catholicism.
In different historical epochs, the city of Santo Domingo was called either New Isabella or Ciudad Trujillo. It received its current name a little less than 60 years ago in honor of its patron saint, Saint Dominic. However, another name is also known – “Gateway to the Caribbean Sea”.
Interestingly, Santo Domingo is the oldest city in America. It was founded by Bartolomeo Columbus, the younger brother of the famous navigator. This happened in 1498.
Attractions and entertainment
Colonial Zone
The colonial city of Santo Domingo is a historic development in the heart of the Dominican capital and the location of the first European settlement in the New World. This quarter is located on the Caribbean coast.
The Colonial Territory (Ciudad Colonial) is home to the largest number of historical attractions in Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic:
- Alcazar de Colon;
- Osama Fortress;
- Museum of Kings;
- The city’s cathedral.
The center of the Old Town is considered to be Parque Colon or” Columbus Circle”, on which stands a bronze monument in honor of the great navigator. In the eastern part of the colonial zone there is another iconic place – the Calle Las Damas. This is an old cobblestone street, built in 1502 (and therefore, the oldest in the New World).
Also be sure to visit the Spanish-built Osama Fortress. Like most historical sites, it was built in the 1530s and is the oldest military port in the New World. Interestingly, Christopher Columbus and his wife lived here for 2 years.
Los Tres Ojos National Park
Los Tres Ojos National Park is located a few km from the Dominican capital. This place is known for its incredible cave size (15 meters deep) and underground lakes. When visiting the reserve, it is best to follow the following route::
- Visit to the Los Tres Ojos Cave. This attraction consists of several small caves, which are connected by stone steps. Each has a lake and an observation deck with a beautiful view of the underworld.
- Next, head to the first lake, located among the rocks. It impresses tourists with its blue color and incredibly clear water.
- The second reservoir is quite small and has not very clear water (yellowish-brown).
- The third lake is the largest and most mysterious, because it is located in the center of a cave decorated with stalactites. If you want to fully enjoy the beauty of the underwater world, here you should take a ride on a raft.
- The last, fourth lake, is considered the most beautiful in the national park. The water in it is aquamarine in color, and it looks somewhat like a volcano crater, overgrown with greenery on all sides. Getting here is the most difficult, as there are a lot of people who want to.
Many tourists note the incredible similarity of the local nature with the landscapes that they saw in the movie “Jurassic Park”.
Tourists are advised to pay attention to the fact that the park is very wet, and after visiting you want to change into dry clothes. Also keep in mind that there are many bats living in the caves.
- Location: Avenida Las Americas / Parque Nacional del Este, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
- Opening hours: 8.30-17.30.
- Price: 100 pesos + 25 (if you want to get to the fourth lake).
Cathedral of Santo Domingo
The Cathedral of Santo Domingo is the oldest Catholic church not only in the Dominican Republic, but also in South America. It was built in the 1530s. The architectural style in which the cathedral is built is a mixture of Gothic, late Baroque and Plateresco.
In addition to its architectural and historical value, the cathedral is known as a treasury. It stores jewelry, rare wood species, gold and silver dishes, paintings. According to legend, the remains of Christopher Columbus are also buried here.
The temple has been open exclusively to tourists for the last 20 years. At the entrance, you will be given an audio guide and headphones.
Despite the apparent simplicity of the church, you should definitely visit it, because a huge number of historical figures have visited this place.
- Location: Calle Arzobispo Merino, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
- Opening hours: 9.00-16.00.
National Pantheon of the Dominican Republic
The pantheon of the Dominican Republic is a symbol of the country and the final resting place of the most important and honorable citizens. The building was built by the Jesuits in 1746, but it was used as a church.
Only 210 years later, the building was restored and converted into a pantheon. This happened by decree of Trujillo (dictator of the Dominican Republic).
It is interesting that even now there is a guard of honor in the building and an eternal flame is burning. Tourists recommend coming here with a guide, because if you visit this place yourself, you can miss a lot of interesting things.
- Location: C / Las Damas / Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
- Opening hours: 9.00-17.00.
Columbus Lighthouse
The Columbus Lighthouse is perhaps the most controversial landmark in Santo Domingo. The building is built in the shape of a cross, and on its walls you can read the sayings of famous travelers. At the top of the building, powerful searchlights are installed, which, at night, illuminate the path. The remains of Christopher Columbus are also buried here.
Alcazar de Colon
The Alcazar de Colon is the oldest royal residence in America, built in the 1520s. Previously, the palace had 52 rooms, and the building itself was surrounded by dozens of gardens, parks and outbuildings. However, only half of the sights have survived to our time.
Interestingly, this landmark of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic was built from coral, and the builders did not use a single nail.
Alcazar de Colon now houses the Alcazar de Diego Colon Museum, which houses Medieval art objects. It’s worth seeing here:
- a collection of tapestries created by the Van den Hoecke family;
- paintings by famous European masters;
- sculptural compositions dedicated to South America (Hall of contemporary Art).
Practical information:
- Location: Plaza de Espana | Off Calle Emiliano Tejera at foot of Calle Las Damas, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
- Opening hours: 9.00-17.00.
- Price: 80 pesos.
Las Damas Street (Calle de Las Damas)
Las Damas or Dam Street is one of the oldest streets in America, which was built in the 1510s. This name was given to it due to the fact that ladies often walked here, wanting to show off their outfits to each other. According to legend, Calle de Las Damas was created at the request of the daughter-in-law of Christopher Columbus.
The street really has retained its old look, however, the impression is greatly spoiled by the cars standing along the houses. However, this is not a reason to refuse to walk, and here it is worth:
- enjoy a cup of aromatic coffee in one of the local cafes;
- take a ride in a chaise;
- carefully inspect the facades of houses (many of them have interesting signs and enamel figures);
- buy postcards with photos of Santo Domingo in Dominincana;
- relax in the shade of the trees.
Accommodation
Santo Domingo is very popular with tourists, so hotels, which are just over 300 here, should always be booked in advance.
So, a 3* hotel room for two will cost $ 30-40 per day. This price includes a delicious breakfast (local cuisine), all necessary appliances in the room and a large terrace (often with a view of the historical part of the city). Also, many hotel owners are willing to provide a free transfer from the airport.
A 5* hotel will cost $ 130-160 per night for two people. The price includes a spacious room, a restaurant or bar on the ground floor, an on-site swimming pool, a large terrace and many gazebos where guests can relax.
Food
Santo Domingo is a real paradise for lovers of healthy and delicious food. There are small cafes and bars on every corner, and they are usually run by members of the same family. Oddly enough, most often there are cafes and restaurants not with Spanish, but with Italian cuisine.
Be sure to try the following dishes:
- Sancocho-thick soup with meat (or fish) and corn;
- La bandera is a salad of beans, rice, meat and fried bananas;
- Arepitas de maiz-corn fritters;
- Queso frito – toasted white cheese.
On average, lunch in a cafe for one person will cost 6-7 dollars (this is one dish + drink and dessert). Dinner in a restaurant for two with alcohol will cost more-at least $ 30.
Please note whether the price includes mandatory tips (10%) and taxes (10-15%). Often they are not included in the price, and the dish comes out much more expensive than planned.
Weather and climate. When is the best time to arrive
The city of Santo Domingo is located in the southern part of the Dominican Republic, so the climate here is tropical. Both winter and summer are very warm: at any time of the year, the temperature ranges from 24-27 degrees Celsius. Humidity is high.
The average temperature in January is 24 degrees Celsius. In July – 27 degrees Celsius. The hottest month is August, and the coldest is January. The highest amount of precipitation falls in September – 201 mm. The lowest is in January (72 mm).
Please note that November and December are periods of heavy rain and strong hurricane-force winds. During the rest of the year, the probability of bad weather is minimal.
The high season in Dominincan is the time from November to April when dry and warm weather sets in. Tourists come during these months not only to sunbathe and swim, but also to see whales.
Interesting facts
- The old city of the Dominican capital occupies less than 1% of the total area of Santo Domingo (which is very small).
- Santo Domingo is the cultural capital of South America in 2010.
- Many pharmacies in Santo Domingo sell cigarettes and construction tools in addition to medicines.
- In 2008, the first metro line was opened in Santo Domingo, but it is still not very popular – for unknown reasons, people prefer ground transport.
- Dominicans are very religious people, and one in four cars can be seen with “Jesus will save us” or “God is with us! ” stickers.
- Be aware that there are a lot of so-called “parking attendants”in Santo Domingo. These people are insistent on offering to guard the car in your absence. In fact, in Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic) is quite safe, and it’s just a very easy way to make money.