History
Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, holds the title of the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas. Founded in 1496 by Bartholomew Columbus, the brother of Christopher Columbus, it became the first seat of Spanish colonial rule in the New World. The city's Zona Colonial, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to numerous historic landmarks, including the first cathedral, hospital, and university in the Americas. Santo Domingo played a pivotal role in the early Spanish colonial period, serving as a launching point for further exploration and conquests throughout the Caribbean and the American continents.
Cathedral of Santa María
The Cathedral of Santa María la Menor in the Colonial City of Santo Domingo is dedicated to St. Mary of the Incarnation.T he cathedral is fronted with a golden-tinted coral limestone façade. The building is Gothic, a notable example of real Gothic architecture outside Europe. There is also a treasury which has an excellent art collection of ancient woodcarvings, furnishings, funerary monuments, silver, and jewelry.
Monastery of San Francisco
Monasterio de San Francisco in Santo Domingo de Guzmán, Dominican Republic, is a monastery that was built between 1508–1560, with the arrival of the Franciscan fathers. The ruin is one of the most important of the city. It is located in the Colonial City of Santo Domingo and are part of UNESCO's 1990 declaration of the Colonial City as a World Heritage Site. The monastery was recognized by UNESCO for being the first and oldest monastery built in the Americas.
More Information about Santo Domingo
News Feed
- How many visitors did the country receive in May?
- Tourism in the Dominican Republic continues to grow steadily. During the first five months of 2024, the country received over five million visitors, marking an 11% increase compared to the same period in 2023, 48% more than in 2022, and 43% more than in 2019.
- Abinader announces 23% increase in Dominican Republic’s exports
- President Luis Abinader has announced that the country has achieved its best export figures in the last three years, with a total increase of 23% compared to the period from 2016 to 2019. The president attributed this success to the National Export Promotion Plan (PNFE), which was launched in November 2020 to promote exports and improve competitiveness in global markets.
| Description | Cost |
|---|---|
| Food, Travel, and Sightseeing | $124 |
| Flights | $241 |
| Lodging | $98 |
| Total Cost | $463 |
Xeliter Vista Mare
Trip Package
Spend the day on Xeliter Vista Mare - Free WiFi, Samaná's private sand beach or relax by one of the aparthotel's 2 outdoor swimming pools. Each apartment provides a kitchen with a refrigerator, an oven, a stovetop, and a microwave. For a bit of entertainment, a flat-screen TV comes with cable channels, and guests can also appreciate conveniences like a washer/dryer and a dining area.El Embajador
Trip Package
Take advantage of a casino, a poolside bar, and a terrace at El Embajador, a Royal Hideaway Hotel. For those looking to try their luck, this resort boasts a casino VIP room, 30 slot machines, and 10 casino gaming tables. Treat yourself to a massage, a body treatment, or a detox wrap at the onsite spa. At the two on-site restaurants, enjoy lunch, dinner, light fare, and international cuisine. Fitness classes are offered at the health club; the property also has designer stores on site, a garden, and a playground. In addition to a hair salon and dry cleaning/laundry services, guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.Homewood Suites
Trip Package
Close to Blue Mall and Agora Mall, Homewood Suites by Hilton Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic provides a free breakfast buffet, a poolside bar, and a free grocery shopping service. In addition to a free manager's reception and a rooftop terrace, guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.