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Zona Colonial
Pass by
Explore Santo Domingo's charming historic neighborhood, full of cultural attractions, restaurants, and parks. Stroll along Calle El Conde, a pedestrian street lined with shops, art, and cafes. Discover the oldest sites in the Americas, including the first cathedral, paved street, monastery, hospital, university, and military fortress.
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Parque Colon
5m
Columbus Park is the central square of Santo Domingo's historic district. Here, you can find the statue of Christopher Columbus, in whose honor the square was renamed in 1887.
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20m · Admission ticket included
This cathedral, dedicated to St. Mary of the Incarnation, is the first and oldest in the Americas. Construction began in 1504 and took 46 years.
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Calle Las Damas
15m
This is the “street of the ladies,” the first paved road in the Americas. The architecture dates back to the 16th century and the narrow road contains colonial buildings now serving as museums, embassies, and upscale hotels.
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Fortaleza Ozama
Pass by
The Ozama Fortress, built by the Spanish in the early 16th century, is the first permanent military structure in the Americas, marking the beginning of Spanish colonization. The fortress resembles a medieval castle and features a 69-feet tall central tower.
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10m
Guarded by a presidential honor guard, this 18th-century Jesuit church is the national mausoleum of the Dominican Republic, housing the remains of heroes such as Gregorio Luperon, Salome Urena, Jose Nunez de Caceres, and others since 1956.
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Reloj de Sol
5m
This stone clock, standing 12 feet tall, has been located in front of the Royal Houses Museum since 1753 in the colonial city. It was used by government officials to keep track of time.
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30m · Admission ticket included
The Museo Taíno Casa del Cordón, located in Santo Domingo’s Zona Colonial, is a cultural museum housed in one of the oldest European stone buildings in the Americas (built around 1503), where visitors can explore the history and heritage of the Taíno people—the island’s first inhabitants—through hundreds of artifacts and interactive exhibits, while also experiencing the blend of indigenous culture and early Spanish colonial architecture that helped shape Dominican identity.
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5m
Located at the end of Calle Las Damas, the Plaza de España is a charming and romantic esplanade in the heart of the Colonial City. On one side of the plaza stands the impressive Alcazar de Colon palace, while on the other side, a series of outdoor bistro terraces offer diners a stunning view of the ancient city. It's definitely one of the most beautiful spots in the area.
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10m
The San Francisco Monastery is a set of rustic walled ruins in the Colonial City. It was the first-ever Franciscan monastery in the New World and has a tumultuous history. They were damaged by a fire caused by Sir Francis Drake and a couple of earthquakes. It was later used as a mental asylum until the middle of the 20th century.
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5m
San Nicolas de Bari Hospital, built between 1503 and 1508 under Governor Nicolas de Ovando, is the oldest hospital in the Americas and served as a model for others. Today, it lies in ruins on the north side of Hostos street, popular for its photogenic scenery and home to pigeons.
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Alcazar de Colon
5m · Admission ticket not included
This is the first European palace fortified in the Americas. It was constructed between 1510 and 1514, predominantly in a Gothic and Renaissance style. It is recognized as the only known residence of a member of Christopher Columbus' family in the New World; specifically, his first-born son Diego Columbus.
