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Founded by Bartolomé Colón in 1496, on the eastern bank of the Ozama River, but moved to the western bank by Nicolás de Ovando in 1502, due to its destruction by a hurricane, Santo Domingo was the first seat of the Spanish colonial government in the New World. .
However, when the Europeans arrived to this land, it was already inhabited by the Taíno Indians. The indigenous people had divided the lands of the island into five chiefdoms and had captured all their culture in them in the form of art and utensils, which you can discover in the numerous museums in the area. Visit the permanent or temporary exhibitions of the Museum of Dominican Man, the National Museum of History and Geography, the Pre-Hispanic Art Room and Los Tres Ojos, where you will be especially enchanted by the pre-Columbian history of the island.
Today, it is the tenth most populated city in Latin America, and the most populated in the Caribbean. It is one of the largest cultural, economic, political, commercial and industrial centers of the Dominican Republic. In addition, its historic center, known as Ciudad Colonial, was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1990. On the Little Colonial Train (Chu Chu Colonial) you can take a ride through the different streets and contemplate the architectural wealth of the historic center.
In the city of Santo Domingo, you can witness an entire era through the different buildings, streets, squares and parks. Stroll through centuries-old streets and contemplate the colonial houses and fortifications that, despite time, maintain the charm of past centuries, both on their facades and inside. Admire the numerous religious temples that withstand the attacks of time and climate. Visit small churches such as the Nuestra Señora del Carmen church, or more impressive ones such as the Mercedes temple, or see the Primada de América cathedral and travel to the origins of Christianity in the New World.
The inhabitants of Santo Domingo have many reasons to be proud of their country, since one of their greatest achievements was achieving its independence. For this reason, there are many monuments, buildings, parks and museums in honor of those who fought for it. Visit the Independence Park, with the Puerta del Conde and the Altar de la Patria, or the Plaza de la Misericordia, where independence was proclaimed. Get to know the Casa de los Trinitarios, where it was created, or the Casa Duarte Museum, where the main people responsible lived. OR Also go to the Dominican Resistance Memorial Museum to learn more about that memorable time.
The city of Santo Domingo has dedicated itself both to maintaining its historical and cultural heritage and to promoting old legends and new promises of art. Thus, places such as the Museum of Contemporary Ceramics, the Bellapart Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Palace of Fine Arts will give you the opportunity to contemplate the wonderful current Dominican art.
In Santo Domingo you can not only see buildings and objects made by man, you can also contemplate nature in all its splendor. Visit the beautiful botanical garden, the zoo or the incredible aquarium, or stroll through any of the countless parks in the Dominican capital. In the Mirador del Este park you will be able to find both the typical vegetation and the characteristic fauna of the area, and, in addition, learn about the pre-Columbian art that decorates some of its caves. You can also take a refreshing swim at one of the beaches near the city. The beaches Playa Boca Chica, Playa Caribe and Playa Guayacanes await you with their fine sands and warm tropical waters.
When night comes, you won't be able to avoid dancing to the sound of Caribbean music, enjoying its cuisine or participating in the traditional festivals that the city offers you to celebrate throughout the year.
Santo Domingo is an incredible city made up of a peculiar history, culture and tradition that you cannot miss on your trip to the Dominican Republic.