Colonial Santo Domingo

 History

Santo Domingo founded by the Admiral’s brother Colon in 1498, became the first city of the New World.Some years later, in 1502, it moved to the other side of the river where it continued growing until it became what it is today, a dynamic cosmopolitan city with a splendid past, judging by its buildings, fortresses and monuments that remained intact and  converted the city into a UNESCO World Heritage site. Santo Domingo claims to have the first cathedral, monastery, hospital and university of the New World.

                                                        Attractions

Santo Domingo port

In order to explore the colonial era, it’s good to have a walk around the old part of the city. For those who prefer a guided tour, starting at The Earl Street in the city center is a good point. From that place within a walking distance you reach Plaza Colon, with its majestic Christopher Columbus statue in the center. It’s a very popular and busy tourist sight with several hand craft workshops of clay, wood, leather etc. 

On the opposite site of the plaza is the Santa Maria Cathedral, finished in 1540. Continuing down the street La Dames is the impressive Fortress, the oldest fortress in America with its stored cannons that are still watching over the city’s port. On the other side of the river, next to the Dominican Windmills silos stands the humble Rosario Chapel. It represents the first religious building where Catholic worship was held on this side of the Atlantic. Returning back to the street of La Dames is the Spanish Square with the statue of Nicolas and the old Columbus Palace, office of the New governed delegation of Spain in the New World. Next door is the Vice regal Museum and the splendid collection of buildings from the XV century.

                                                                                                                          Hotels in Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo Cathedral

Santo Domingo is famous by its churches and Monasteries among which Santa Barbara, the Monastery of Saint Francis, Santa Clara Church, Regina Church, constructed over 400 years ago and the headquarter of the first university of the Americas the Church of Dominica. The cobblestone streets and the antique facades of the Colonial City today are the home of some picturesque and festive bars, small hotels and reputable restaurants. Restaurant around Spanish and Colon Square tempt with their exquisite international and Creole cuisine. Outside the Colonial City across the river is the Mausoleum of Christopher Columbus.

Colonial Chu-chu 

Night Life

The Colonial Area dresses up at night. The street lamps illuminate the streets with magic, inviting party, romance and fun, in a place where every encounter is unforgettable and marked with joy.Without a doubt, the country's finest nightlife is found in Santo Domingo. For starters, the restaurants rival those of any cosmopolitan city in the world. Whether your choice of restaurant is in the modern Naco-Winston Churchill area, Gazcue, the Malecon or the Colonial City, be prepared to discover perhaps the largest and finest selection of restaurants of any Caribbean city. Several of the larger Santo Domingo hotels feature casinos.

                                                       

Dinner show

Dominicans dine late, as you will notice, with restaurants standing empty at around 6 pm and filling with patrons after 9 pm. After dinner activities abound for an evening spent on the town. Begin with an outing to the National Theater, with its weekend to weekend schedule of cultural events and world-famous population that conglomerates at the plush discos and fashionable clubs of the Naco-Winston area. The small bars and cafes of the Colonial City stay open until late on weekends.

Your visit to the Dominican Republic, its ocean sunsets down the seafront, sense of the rhythm and taste of its Rum will always remain in the memory as a long-lasting travel experience. Santo Domingo, a World heritage city, conserves its splendor from the colonial era, present by the lovely buildings, the proud witnesses of the first New World constructions.

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