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Dominican Republic is full of fascinating churches, magnificent ancient ruins & structures and many more delightful places to visit. Here’s a list of some of the most amazing places to visit on the island |
1: The Conde Gate
The Conde Gate or "Gate of the Count" forms the entrance to the Parque Independencia. In the middle of the park is the Altar of the Homeland, a white marble monument that is of extreme national interest. Here the remains of the founders of the country have been laid to rest. You will find huge and impressive stone statues of Juan Pablo Duarte, Francisco del Rosario Sanchez, and Ana Ramon Matias Mella here.
2: El Callejon de los Curas (The Priests Narrow Street)
This little and narrow alley leads to the cloisters of the Cathedral and you can see some of the colonial structures in the proximity. It serves as a vantage point for viewing several other colonial buildings and churches. Sculptures made by an expert Dominican artist Rotellinis are found throughout the alley.
3: Museum of the Royal Atarazanas
This palace was formerly used as the official residence of the Colonial Governor. Several valuable articles ranging from 16th to 19th century are exhibited in the present museum. The collection of valuable undersea treasure uncovered in a 1976 expedition in territorial waters is of particular interest.
4: The Tostado House
This house is the former residence of Francisco de Tostado, the country's first university professor. He had succumbed to wounds received from a cannon blast during a raid commanded by Sir Francis Drake. Today, this structure houses the museum of the Dominican Family of the XIX century. The gothic windows found here are of particular interest since they were a rarity during the period of its construction.
5: Church and Convent of Las Mercedes
This is a collection of some of the most unique and beautiful 16th century buildings. It also is the setting for the famous novel "Don Juan" by Spaniard Tirso de Molina. Another unique feature is that it is the only place in the world where a Masonic Lodge stands next to a Catholic Church.
6: The Cathedral
The cathedral is located in Santo Domingo dates back to the mid 16th Century Colonial era and is probably the oldest in America. The main entrance is located next to the Columbus Plaza where you will also find a giant statue of the Columbus. The fine stained glass work found in the structure is by a famous national artist Jose Rincon Mora.
7: Santa Barbara Church
This church is located in the area that was formerly dominated by sailors. It is named after the country's liberator and first president, Juan Pablo Duarte. The interiors of the building are decorated with beautiful Baroque paintings and the Plaza outside is a popular with the local residents.
8: Panteon Nacional
The National Pantheon, built in 1714, was originally a Jesuit Church. The church acquired its present name and function in 1958. The structure has the intersected hallways forming a cross, and the giant, ornate brass lamp donated by the Spanish to the Dominican Republic.
9: Ozama Fortress and Tower of Homage
This structure is located in the capital city of Santo Domingo and lies at the end of the popular Las Damas Street. An imposing giant gate, dating back to the 17th Century, welcomes you to this stone building that was built back in 1503. Ozama is believed to be the oldest formal military outpost still standing in America. The impressive Tower of Homage is located in the middle of the grounds and is a fine specimen of medieval architecture, style and design.
10: San Francisco Monastery Ruins
The Franciscan priests had built this first monastery that is the held to be the foremost monastery to be erected in the new world. The giant front gate of the monastery shows the magnificence of this unique structure.
11: Alcazar de Colon
Diego Colon erstwhile residence, dating back to 1510 was constructed on the banks of the Ozama River. This structure later became the center of colonial power from where the new world was governed. This is a 22-room palace built in a mixture of Gothic and Arabic styles while bearing a strong influence of Spanish and Italian Renaissance. Alcazar De Colon is open to the public as a museum and houses many fine treasures of the colonial era.
12: Casa del Cordon
This building is among the first founding structures of the country and was built during the 16th century. It is held that two of Diego Colon's children were born here. The edifice has an ornate front door, framed by a stone belt used by the Franciscan order.
