, Santo Domingo, often call " living history“Although, at first glance, this is a typical Latin American metropolis with high-rise buildings, residential areas built for different segments of the population, huge shops, expensive boutiques, restaurants and educational institutions. Like in any other big city
, in the capital, there are many pros and cons.
Pros and Cons of Santo Domingo
If we consider the city from the point of view of a beach holiday, then you won’t really turn around here - almost the only beach in Santo Domingo is private beach on its outskirts, Aura Beach: there are no crowds of tourists, and in a small restaurant you can enjoy freshly caught seafood.
That, perhaps, is the whole value of the beach.
But actually, in Santo Domingo, no one goes for beach holiday. It is much more useful to spend time here, studying the historical monuments of Santo Domingo, and there are a lot of them here, because the capital of the Dominican Republic is a city with an extraordinary, “living” history and rich traditions.
So much has happened on this land: both discoverers and conquerors have visited it, everything here is literally saturated with the spirit of historical events, and colonial-style houses built with special care remind of the difficult fate of this city, which laid the foundation for the conquest path towards the Americas.
History of Santo Domingo
The history of America began precisely from the capital of the Dominican Republic, at the moment when Christopher Columbus first set foot on its shore in 1492. Due to the fact that this city resembled a heavenly place, the first settlers from Europe chose the current capital of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo.
During the colonial wars, the purpose of which was to control the sea routes, this city was inhabited, displacing each other, then the Dutch, then the Spaniards, then the French, then the British and the Portuguese.
And another battle was fought from the sea - pirates robbed the ships that sailed to the shores, devastating them and terrifying the brave sailors.
All these historical events could not pass without a trace either for the history or for the architecture of Santo Domingo, therefore, having arrived in the modern Latin American metropolis of Santo Domingo today, you can plunge into the events of bygone days and feel that unique atmosphere that reigned here many centuries ago.
Sights of Santo Domingo
Especially colorful place Santo Domingo, its colonial quarter with many historical monuments, such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria, whose construction dates back to the 16th century. This quarter is able to keep tourists out of the arms of that famous era for a long time.
In the historic center there is a building that once belonged to the governor of Hispaniola, Nicolás de Ovando, after whom it is named. Everything here reminds of how, in the early 16th century, it was from here that he ruled the island. This building impresses with its luxury, massive columns and a charming courtyard in which amazing tropical plants grow.
Nearby is the governor's palace, called Alcazar de Colon, built in the 16th century. Today, this building has become an art museum, which exhibits expositions of the Renaissance and the Middle Ages.
However, the historical events of Santo Domingo have long sunk into the past and the city lives in the present: on the old pavements of the colonial quarter, lined with cobblestones, luxurious restaurants, boutiques and hotels are located, and modern residents no longer resemble their heroic ancestors.
But still, the old historical center of modern Santo Domingo has that special magic and charm that are inherent in cities with rich history and cultural heritage.
While relaxing in the Dominican Republic, be sure to book a tour of historical sites Santo Domingo to touch living history of the capital of the Dominican Republic, You will be interested!
Introductory Provisions and Terms
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6.5. If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is determined to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable under the laws of the Dominican Republic, it will be removed from the Terms and Conditions and the remaining provisions of the Terms and Conditions will remain in full force and effect and continue to be enforceable.
Going to the fabulous islands of the Dominican Republic, many are looking for velvety beaches, gentle sea and the lulling sound of the surf, but in addition to all this splendor, they discover a completely unique cultural heritage, carefully carried by local residents through the centuries. The real pearl of the Dominican crown can be safely called the capital of the republic, the city of Santo Domingo. Being the first settlement of Europeans in the Antilles, the city has retained its colonial charm in literally everything - original architecture, Creole cuisine, language and traditions. local residents. Here it is as if you are returning to the era of the great geographical discoveries, pirate captures and unique Caribbean romance.
oldest locality America, founded by Europeans, Santo Domingo was the brainchild of the brother of the famous pioneer Christopher Columbus - Bartolomeo. He founded it in 1496, initially calling it New Isabella, but later renamed it after Saint Dominic. A century later, the city became the capital of all the Spanish colonies of the New World, it was here that the first Catholic church, the residence of the Spanish king, the first hospital, university, defensive fortifications created by Europeans in the Western Hemisphere arose. In its history, the city has seen many sad pages - the uprising of black slaves, the transition into the hands of the French, the occupation by American troops, severe destruction by a hurricane, but any adversity only strengthened the love for their capital in the local population. Having gained independence, the Dominican Republic is becoming more and more popular destination tourism, because on this tiny piece of land, lost in the waters Caribbean offers incredible opportunities for an unforgettable vacation.
More than three hundred monuments of antiquity are concentrated on the streets of the Dominican capital. Stepping on the cobblestone pavements, where the great navigators and Spanish kings used to walk, one never ceases to be amazed at the uniqueness of this place. Colonial Quarter, Alcazar Palace, Cathedral, Columbus Lighthouse - just a small part excursion route for Santo Domingo. Do not rush to leave the city after a cursory acquaintance - feel its secrets, look into the most remote corners of street labyrinths and be sure to taste unforgettable Caribbean cuisine in one of cozy restaurants waterfront Malecon.
colonial quarter
starting point of all tourist routes in Santo Domingo, the Colonial Quarter is truly the heart of the city. The territory of 5 km², surrounded by an ancient fortress wall, is the first city in the New World, founded by Spanish colonists. In its center is a monument to Christopher Columbus, and in total there are more than three hundred architectural objects of historical value on the territory of the historical quarter. National Pantheon, Osama Fortress, Santo Domingo Fort, Las Damas Street, Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary and many more examples of colonial architecture were not accidentally included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
A walk through this quarter will also be remembered for stunning views of the Osama River and seaport, as well as the opportunity to purchase original Dominican souvenirs on the El Code shopping street.
Columbus lighthouse
The grandiose building in Santo Domingo, called the Columbus Lighthouse, is in fact a large-scale museum that tells about the life of the great navigator and the history of the Dominican Republic. The first thing that catches your eye - unusual shape, because the building is made in the form of a cross giant size, in the center of which is the mausoleum with the remains of Christopher Columbus. The fact that the discoverer of America was buried in Santo Domingo remains controversial, but despite this, a guard of honor is posted at the mausoleum all year round, and on major holidays, 157 powerful searchlights are turned on on the roof of the Lighthouse, illuminating a huge cross at a distance of several kilometers.
The museum exposition of the complex is also interesting - documents, maps, historical references, connected with the life and discoveries of the great navigator, with the traditions of the inhabitants of the Caribbean, a museum of countries that helped in the construction of the lighthouse and many more interesting exhibits that will help you get to know the culture of the Dominican Republic better.
Cathedral
It is believed that the first Catholic church in America was built under the leadership of the son of Christopher Columbus - Diego. It was he who laid the foundation stone in 1514, but the construction took 30 years. The Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary is made from locally quarried coral limestone and is an unusual mixture of baroque and gothic styles.
The area of the cathedral is more than 3,000 km² - inside there is a collection of antiquities, among which you will see carved wooden statues, antique furniture, dishes, silver jewelry, religious household items and much more. Not far from the temple there is a monument to Christopher Columbus pointing towards Spain. For a long time, his ashes were buried next to the altar of the cathedral, but after the construction of the Columbus Lighthouse, they were transferred to a special mausoleum, where they are now guarded around the clock by a guard of honor.
Osama fortress
A fortress that has seen all historical events since the 16th century, the first fort in America that saved Santo Domingo from pirates, a unique historical building included in the World Heritage List - all this is Osama Fortress, which has been standing for many centuries at the mouth of the river of the same name. It was built in 1508 in the style medieval castle from coral limestone without any bonding solutions - it is believed that such a construction only becomes stronger over time, which proves centuries-old history fort. The castle-fortress to this day has the original architecture, only part of the interior decoration has been replaced with copies.
Today, tourists have the opportunity to climb to the top of the Vigilance Tower, which offers a view of the endless expanses of the Caribbean Sea, examine the bedroom of Christopher Columbus, explore the tunnels and dungeons where prisoners were kept for many years.
Embankment Malecon
The main thing tourist place Santo Domingo, the Malecon is a 15-kilometer avenue that stretches along the picturesque Caribbean coast. Palm-lined street abounds with souvenir shops, restaurants, cafes national cuisine, passes through the Colonial Quarter and many other historical monuments. It is here that residents of the capital and its guests gather every evening, mass holidays and events take place, you can see the most impressive sea sunsets and enjoy the coolness after hot city blocks.
Leisure
Santo Domingo is a city of opportunities, so everyone will enjoy their vacation here without exception. Perhaps the main tourist attraction has become a beach pastime, the most picturesque is the Juan Dolio Guayacanes beach, which combines the advantages of white sand and a dense tropical thicket nearby, where you can always hide from the heat.
Family travelers should pay attention to the local water park Agua Splash Caribe Parque Acuatico, the National Zoological Park and the children's play center happyland.
Can't imagine good vacation no nightlife? The Dominican capital offers dozens of bars, the most popular of which stretch along the Malecon. Tropical cocktails, incendiary music and fun until the morning are guaranteed!
The passionate love of Dominicans for music is perfectly reflected in the annual February merengue dance festival - an unforgettable show takes place right on the streets of Santa Domingo, and the fusion of Haitian, Caribbean, Spanish, African and many other cultures can be clearly seen in the music that spreads through the quarters.
How to get there
Las Americas International Airport is a 30-minute drive from the city center.
There are no direct flights from Russia, so you need to consider a route with a transfer, for example, through Madrid, Barcelona, New York, Miami, Boston, and so on.
local transport
For some unknown reason, the buses in Santo Domingo are not very comfortable and are more focused on getting locals to and from work. It is often impossible to know which bus goes where until you ask the driver, as neither the buses nor their routes are clearly marked.
Santo Domingo has recently opened its own subway, passing along the North-South axis under the street. Maximo Gomez, following from the Villa Mall to the Monument Center Dead Heroes and Malecon passing by National Theater and the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo. One trip costs about 20 pesos (less than 0.6 USD). The second branch is currently under construction, there are 5 more branches in the future construction plans.
Hotels
The Sofitel Nicolas De Ovando Santo Domingo is a luxury hotel in the heart of the city, close to the historic Colonial Quarter. Comfortable rooms will be appreciated both by those who come to the Dominican Republic on vacation and those who will hold business meetings here - one of the hotel services is the translation of documents and the rental of a conference room.
To appreciate the architecture of Santo Domingo, its magnificent beaches and diverse leisure activities, without spending a lot of money on accommodation - tourists book La Colonia Guest House for just such purposes. Clean comfortable rooms, breakfasts and the opportunity to meet interesting people have become the main advantage of this hostel.
Situated right on the famous Malecon Boulevard, Crowne Plaza Santo Domingo is a luxury five-star hotel that will satisfy even the most demanding discerning tourists, because the highest level of service, luxurious rooms and a whole range of related services are guaranteed here.
Restaurants
Dominican cuisine is a gastronomic fairy tale that combines Caribbean, African and Spanish culinary traditions into a single unique "bouquet". Coming to Santo Domingo, be sure to appreciate the great taste of freshly prepared seafood. One of the best restaurants this direction is considered Don Pepe Restaurante.
Great food and colonial-style interiors are a favorite among Meson de Bari restaurants, and if you just want a quick bite, check out Barra Payan, which serves great sandwiches and freshly squeezed juices.
Pura Tasca is decorated in a colonial style and is always ready to offer guests traditional sangria - a great refreshing drink in hot weather, as well as sausages on a baked apple, hummus with raisins or pumpkin soup with avocado and mango.
shopping
Santo Domingo offers great opportunities for all lovers of shopping. This is the main shopping center of the entire Caribbean, so here you can buy shoes, clothes, local and foreign-made equipment. Going shopping, feel free to go to Malecon Avenue, where the best boutiques, souvenir shops and shops are located along the sea. The most colorful souvenirs from the island are local rum, amber, Dominican coffee, cigars and an unusual turquoise larimar stone.
The city has several large shopping centers, such as Plaza Central, Acropolis, Beia Vista Mall, Diamond Mall, Malecon Center, Mega Center, where an endless number of stores are located, which offer a wide range of clothes from inexpensive casual to high-end designer famous world brands.
Because of Haiti's location, Spanish King Philip II called it "the key to the western Indian lands". The islanders call it "the jaw of a crocodile, ready to snap on the tail of Cuba." Two states coexist in Haiti: Haiti (in the western part of the island) and the Dominican Republic, which owns two-thirds of the territory. The 360-kilometer border separating the two countries is limited in the north and in the south. The Mona Channel, feared by all sailors due to strong currents and fierce winds, separates the island from Puerto Rico in the east.
The capital of Santo Domingo is the most ancient city in the New World. It was founded on August 4, 1496 on east coast river Osman brother Bartolomeo and named New Isabella. But a strong hurricane destroyed the houses, and Nicholas de Owanda moved the city to the other side of the river.
As conceived by the Spaniards, Santo Domingo was built as a stronghold of their colonial rule in. It is no coincidence that historians call it a model of a colonial city of the 16th century. It created the first viceroyalty among the Spanish colonies. The city was the main base from where expeditions of adventurers, churchmen and Spanish soldiers were sent to conquer neighboring countries. The city is famous for the fact that in 1493 the first battle of the Indians with the Spaniards took place in it, as well as the uprising of the local population under the leadership of the cacique Enriquillo, with whom the Spanish king Charles V was forced to conclude an agreement in 1533.
Santo Domingo became the first university city in America, the first cathedral and the first hospital were built here, and the royal residence was also located. In 1508 the city received its own coat of arms. For many centuries, Santo Domingo was subjected to raids and attacks by English and French pirates, was besieged by the famous corsair Francis Drake, who demanded a huge ransom from the townspeople.
In 1936, the capital was renamed in honor of the dictator Trujillo in Ciudad Trujillo and bore this name until 1961.
Spread over an area of 400 square kilometers along the Caribbean coast, Santo Domingo has long crossed its natural boundaries along the Osmane rivers in the east, Aine in the west and Isabela in the north, and has become one of the largest cities in America. The city is, as it were, divided into squares by the main city arteries intersecting at right angles, therefore, in order to use it, it is necessary to remember the names of the main streets, according to which the Dominicans themselves call addresses: Churchill, Lincoln, Maxime Gomez, Duarte cross the city from north to south; Malecon, Independencia, Bolivar, Mexico, Kennedy and 27 February Street run from west to east.
The majestic buildings in the Gothic style with elements of Romanesque and Arabic architecture testify to the former importance of Santo Domingo as the capital of a large colony. Old city declared a cultural heritage of mankind by UNESCO.
The most ancient cobbled street of the New World was named Ladies' Street, because in those distant times it was filled with carriages of court ladies of the vice-queen of the colony, the king's niece and wife of Diego Columbus, Maria de Toledo.
Osama Fortress was built between 1502-1507 by order of Nicolò de Ovando in order to protect the city from pirate attacks. This fortification is the very first built in the New World.
The Alcazar Palace is located on the esplanade above the Osama River. It was built by the son of Diego Columbus, who became viceroy of the Spanish colonies after Ovando. 1,500 natives, led by a Spanish architect, worked on its construction, extracting durable pieces of coral reefs from the depths of the sea. The palace of 22 rooms with 72 doors and windows was built without a single nail.
The Dominican Museum is one of the richest museums in the country. It houses an exposition that tells about Dominican culture from prehistoric times to the present day. Most of it is devoted to the life of the Indian tribes of the island before the arrival of Europeans: here are objects of pagan cults, amulets. There is also an exhibition of carnival masks, traditional masquerade costumes.
The construction of the Columbus Lighthouse was timed to coincide with the celebration of the 500th anniversary of the discovery of America in 1992. It rises on a hill among the Mirador del Este park in the eastern part of the city on the very spot where the first lighthouse, built by Spanish navigators in 1496, once stood.
The city of Santo Domingo is located in the southeast of the island called Haiti, in one of the regions of the south of the Dominican Republic, away from. It occupies a fairly large area on land of the Caribbean coast. The city has total area about one hundred square kilometers, on which about 2,200,000 people live. Among them are representatives of the Negroid race, as well as mulattoes and Europeans.
This capital of the Dominican Republic was the very first city in the New World and was built in 1496 by the brother of the famous admiral Christopher Columbus, Bartholomew Columbus. The city is distinguished by very small streets, as well as shady squares, each of which is full of various surprises that open up only on foot.
How to get to Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo has two international airports: Herrera and Las Americas. From them, you can get to the central part of the city around the clock by taxi. Private taxi drivers can be called by phone, and they also have fixed rates for the cost to a given destination.
In addition, you can rent a car, both at the airport and at the hotel. In order to rent a car for a period not exceeding ninety days, the following package of documents will be required: a credit card, as well as a driver's license. Of course, it will be possible to rent a car only if you reach the age of twenty-one.
The city's roads have a large number of oversized speed bumps and very large openings. In cities, the speed limit is sixty kilometers per hour, and on the highway - one hundred kilometers per hour, if there are no other traffic signs.
Climate of Santo Domingo
The city is famous for its humid tropical climate. average temperature air per year is +25 degrees. And the rains here most often fall from May to November and are accompanied by the strongest hurricanes. The sun over the city is throughout the entire period - from December to April, while there is minimal precipitation. This is the best time to visit Santo Domingo.
We can safely say that the whole city is completely saturated with traditional Caribbean charm. All this is combined with a well-defined entourage of the Latins, making Santo Domingo the most romantic and cheerful city in the whole world, which, against its will, attracts a large number of those who appreciate the unknown and love the exotic.
Prices in restaurants and local shops
If you like souvenirs and shopping trips, head to Poligono Central. You can move around the city as public transport, which is represented by minibuses and buses, as well as by taxi and even by metro. In addition to a large number interesting places and attractions, the capital has a large number of cafes, eateries and restaurants, which is why you don’t have to worry that there won’t be worthy places to eat in this city.
Culinary dishes that are offered in eateries, restaurants and cafes represent the traditions of both African and Caribbean and even European cuisine. Most often, beans, bananas, as well as various meat and vegetable combinations are used in their manufacture.
Drinks in the city are most often served exotic, which are typical of Americans. No less often you can see various fruit juices, local beer, traditional American rum and the famous Pina Colada on the menu of restaurants, snack bars and cafes.
Must see in Santo Domingo
This city has a large number of cultural and historical attractions, thanks to which it is a symbol of the culture of the entire republic. In addition, the historic center of Santo Domingo was officially included in the UNESCO List World Heritage. A large number of informative and interesting institutions that allow a large number of tourists who come here not only to replenish the baggage of their impressions, but also to enrich themselves with new knowledge, and, most importantly, to hide from the burning rays of the sun inside rooms equipped with the most modern air conditioning systems. - about this in another article.
The architecture of this city is represented by a mixture of Romanesque and Gothic styles, which are also complemented by a very slight grace of the Renaissance. The cultural heritage that the capital bears includes a large number of cultural and historical objects, of which there are about three hundred.
The true embodiment of all bygone times is the Puerta del Conde monument, which was erected in memory of all those who died during a large number battles for an independent Dominican Republic. Cathedrals and houses, palaces and castles, hospitals and monasteries, monuments and memorials - all this, of course, is part of the history of the whole city.
The most elegant building of the architecture of this city is Atarasana, which is located in the west. The complex includes eight buildings of the colonies, which house hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops, and art galleries. Also noteworthy are beautiful palace called Casa del Almirante, a tower called Torre del Omenahe, as well as the most picturesque castle of Alcazar, the construction of which was helped by the son of the world-famous Christopher Columbus. Be sure to visit the lighthouse named after Columbus, which houses his remains.
Misconceptions about Santo Domingo
The Dominican Republic is famous all over the world for its beautiful beaches. But in Santo Domingo such nice beaches not really. Despite this, all residents of the city prefer to swim in the waters of the Caribbean Sea and lie under the sun as far away from the hustle and bustle as possible.
The most famous are Juan Dolio and Boca Chica, which are twenty kilometers from Santo Domingo. That is why, subject to accommodation in a hotel in the capital, you should not forget to organize a good day out under the sun, enjoying the peace and quiet on the beaches of the coast.
