Exploring the Dominican Republic
Sharing the island of Hispaniola with Haiti is the Caribbean nation of the Dominican Republic. It is known for its beaches, resorts and golfing. The nation is a mix of rainforest, savannah and highlands.
The Beauty of Santo Domingo
The capital Santo Domingo is one of the Caribbean’s oldest cities.
Catedral Primada de America the first stone of this cathedral was set in 1514 by Diego Columbus, who was the son of the great explorer. This is the oldest standing cathedral in the Western hemisphere. The vault of the church is Gothic, the arches Romanesque and the ornamentation Baroque. Among the cathedral more impressive features is the amazing vaulted ceiling and its 14 interior chapels. An audio guide is available in different languages.
Parque Colon is a historic park next to the cathedral has several trees and a large statue of Admiral Columbus. Here you can
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The exhibits have information in both English and Spanish. They tell about the prehistoric origins of amber, Dominican mining processes and its present-day value to science and the world of art. You can purchase amber jewelry in the gift shop.
Puerta del Conde gate was named for the Count of Penalba, Bernardo de Meneses y Bracamonte, who succeeded in defending Santo Domingo against 13,000 invading British troops in 1655. Atop of the gate the first Dominican flag was raised. Inside Parque Independencia you’ll find the Altar de la Patria, a mausoleum, holding the remains of three national heroes – Juan Pablo Duarte, Francisco del Rosario Sanchez and Ramon Matias Mella.
Panteon Nacional is a Jesuit church built in 1747 and is used as a mausoleum. Many of the country’s most illustrious persons are honored here, their remains sealed behind two marble walls. The building with its neo-Classical facade was constructed with large limestone blocks. There are armed soldiers at the