DK Travel : Dominican Republic : Santo Domingo: The Zona Colonial

Santo Domingo: The Zona Colonial

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The Zona Colonial is the historic heart of Santo Domingo. This square mile of cobbled streets and shady squares contains the oldest colonial buildings in the Western Hemisphere, including the cathedral. To walk along the Calle de las Damas is to retrace the steps of the first Spanish conquistadors, who used Santo Domingo as a base for the conquest of Latin America. Yet, this district is no museum piece. It’s dotted with shops, restaurants, and cafés, many housed in colonial-era buildings. It is also a real neighborhood, where families sit outside their homes enjoying the cool of the evening.

Top 10 Sights

1. The Cathedral

1. The Cathedral

This exuberant mix of Gothic and Classical influences dates back to 1540. It has survived earthquakes and pirate attacks, and was reputedly the resting place of Christopher Columbus. Its cool, dark interior contains magnificent monuments.
2. Torre del Homenaje

2. Torre del Homenaje

Built as a watchtower in 1503, Homage Tower was used to sight approaching pirate raiders, but later served as a prison, even during Trujillo’s dictatorship (see Trujillo (1891–1961)).
3. Parque Colón

Named after Columbus, the large open space is dominated by a grandiose statue of the explorer. The square’s cafés are a good point for people-watching.
4. Calle de las Damas

4. Calle de las Damas

A cobbled medieval thoroughfare, lined with museums and churches, the street contains some of the old city’s most tastefully restored buildings.
5. The National Pantheon

Formerly a Jesuit monastery, this NeoClassical building commemorates the country’s independence heroes. A solemn atmosphere fills the large marble-lined interior, and a uniformed soldier stands guard over the eternal flame.
6. Hostal Nicolás de Ovando

This recently restored, hotel is situated within the mansion of the colony’s first governor and features the original balconies and Andalusian fountain. A great place to stay, with views of the Ozama River.
7. Las Atarazanas

A line of former warehouses, converted into shops and restaurants. The 16th-century buildings also contain a small museum depicting maritime life in the colonial era including objects salvaged from the galleon Concepción .
8. Alcázar de Colón

8. Alcázar de Colón

The stately 2-story palace built by Christopher Columbus’s son, Diego, overlooks the river and the large Plaza España. This Moorish-influenced coral-stone mansion is Santo Domingo’s most impressive colonial site.
9. Las Casas Reales

The Real Audiencia or Supreme Court once sat in this early 16th-century mansion, now a colonial museum. Look out for the reloj del sol (sundial), reputedly placed for judges to check the time.
10. Casa del Cordón

10. Casa del Cordón

The House of the Rope is said to be the first 2-story building in the Americas. Diego Columbus lived here while his palace was being built. Its façade is decorated by a chiseled sash-and-cord motif.

Practical Information

The bustling Café El Conde, on the corner of Parque Colón, may not be the most luxurious establishment in town, but is ideal for a cold drink, snack or simple meal. Shorts and swimwear are not suitable for the city center, especially in churches and the Pantheon. Even poor Dominicans dress smartly, and they expect the same from visitors. Torre del Homenaje: Fortaleza Ozama; Open 9am–6pm daily; Adm $0.50 The National Pantheon: Open 9am–6pm Mon–Sat; Free Alcázar de Colón: Open 9am–12pm, 2:30–5:30pm Tue–Sat; Adm$1 Casa del Cordón: Open 9am–5pm Mon–Fri; Courtyard only; Free