Santo Domingo: The Zona Colonial
-
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.
-
1. The Cathedral
1. The CathedralThis 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 HomenajeBuilt 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 DamasA 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 ColónThe 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 CordónThe 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.
Advertisement
-
-
Berlin guide
skrams
-
London guide
pukank
-
Merry in Madrid
travel
-
-
New York festivities
travel
-
Christmas in Vienna
travel
-
Washington, D.C. guide
michae
-
Venice Guide
BillZi
-




Get DK Top Ten Travel Guides on your iPhone & iPod Touch!




symbol, to start adding attractions to your
tailor-made travel guide.
If you were signed in, you could write a review here. Register for a free account, or if you're already a member, sign in.