Dominican Republic Travel Guide
Santo Domingo
A historically significant place. This was the first city of the New World founded by the brother of Christopher Columbus (Bartolome) himself. This was the port from which the conquistadors set out to gather more territory for the mother country of Spain. Much of the old colonial city is still intact and the architecture is the biggest attraction of the place. The city has spread itself along the south coast and alongside the Rio Ozama. The Zona Colonial is where the majority of sightseer's head for, a fascinating place of old buildings, cobbled streets and limestone fortification.
Santa Domingo also has a lively and dynamic atmosphere as befits a capital city for a country on the up and up. It is not a sleepy old colonial town but the face of the new Dominican Republic.
Things to do. Places to see
Catedral Santa Maria de la Encarnacion
This is an imposing structure that dates back to 1521. This was the first cathedral of the New World and although Sir Francis Drake treated it rather badly it was renovated in 1992 and modern copies have replaced some of the original statuary. It was here that the 'remains' of Columbus were discovered in 1877.
Museums
Probably the pick of the bunch is the Museo de las Casas Reales. This is a museum of colonial artefacts housed in the former palace of the Governors and Captains General. The Museo Naval de la Atarazana is made up of material salvaged from the many treasure ships to have sunk off the coast over the years. There are also exhibits intended to show what life was like aboard ship in the 17th century. There are two museums dedicated to amber, the Museo Mundo de Ambar is the better of the two. There is also a Museo del Hombre Dominican, this traces the origins of the Dominican people from the earliest Indians to the present day.
For art lovers there is a Museo de Arte Moderno almost all of which are works by Dominican artists.
Open Spaces
Santa Domingo is a busy, bustling place and you may want to get away from the hurly-burly and relax a little. There are a number of parks where you can do this. The major park is the Parque Colon (Columbus Park) which includes a statue of the great man with a Taino (Indian) woman at his feet (a very popular image in these enlightened times). The park has many fine old colonial buildings around it. Another decent green space is the Parque Mirador del Este. The park is pleasantly wooded and at one end are the Los Tres Ojos (the Three Eyes). These three sinkholes were once a bathing area but now are just used in Tarzan films.
Fortresses Palaces and other Buildings
There are a dozen or more that have at one time or another made up the city defences. Most important was the Fortaleza Ozama this overlooks the entrance to the river. The fort has been added to over the years. The Tower of Homage still stands and was, for many years, used as a prison.
The Alcazar de Colon was the palace of the Columbus family and is well worth a look.
Another magnificent colonial building is the Casa Francia home to Hernan Cortes from here he plotted his invasion of Mexico.
El Faro
Columbus is everywhere in the city and his family undoubtedly played a huge part in the early development of Santa Domingo. The 'discovery' of the New World is controversially celebrated with the Columbus Lighthouse. It was erected in celebration of the 500th anniversary of Columbus' first voyage. The controversy stems from the design and the upheaval caused by its construction.
Eating, Drinking and Sleeping
There is a wide variety of accommodation on offer. Staying cheaply is not so easy in the better neighbourhoods; many parts of the city are frankly rough the best place to look is probably within the Zona Colonial. The higher priced hotels along the waters edge are excellent.
The Malecon is an ocean front strip of bars and restaurants and is the main focus of city nightlife. There are many good bars within the Zona Colonial and there are a number of decent nightclubs here as well.
For dining out the food is spicy and filling. Seafood is always on the menu and is reasonably priced and delicious.
|
|
|
