Colonial City of Santo Domingo
Location: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Year of Inscription: 1990
Criteria: (ii) exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
(iv) be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
(vi) be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.
Overview: The Colonial City of Santo Domingo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the capital city of the Dominican Republic. The city was founded in 1498 by Christopher Columbus' brother, Bartholomew, and is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas. The Colonial City is characterized by its historic architecture and layout, which reflects the unique blend of European, African, and indigenous cultures that have shaped the city's history.
Prominent Features: The Colonial City of Santo Domingo is home to numerous historic buildings and landmarks, including:
Alcázar de Colón: A palace built in the early 16th century for Diego Columbus, the son of Christopher Columbus.
Catedral Primada de América: The first cathedral built in the Americas, which dates back to the 16th century.
Fortaleza Ozama: A 16th-century fortress built by the Spanish to protect the city from invasion.
History: The Colonial City of Santo Domingo has a rich and complex history that reflects the influences of its diverse population. The city was founded by the Spanish in 1498 and served as the capital of the Spanish colony of Santo Domingo for over 300 years. During this time, the city was an important center of trade and culture, and many of its historic buildings and landmarks were constructed.
Fun Fact: The Colonial City of Santo Domingo is home to the first university, cathedral, and hospital established in the Americas.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the historic streets and buildings of the Colonial City, visit the various museums and cultural centers, and take part in festivals and events throughout the year.
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee to explore the Colonial City of Santo Domingo, but some museums and cultural centers may charge admission.
How to Reach it: The Colonial City of Santo Domingo is easily accessible by public transportation, including buses and taxis. Visitors can also explore the city on foot.
Where to Stay: There are numerous hotels and guesthouses located in the Colonial City of Santo Domingo, as well as in the surrounding areas.
Next Stop: National History Park – Citadel, Sans Souci, Ramiers
Year of Inscription: 1990
Criteria: (ii) exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
(iv) be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
(vi) be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.
Overview: The Colonial City of Santo Domingo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the capital city of the Dominican Republic. The city was founded in 1498 by Christopher Columbus' brother, Bartholomew, and is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas. The Colonial City is characterized by its historic architecture and layout, which reflects the unique blend of European, African, and indigenous cultures that have shaped the city's history.
Prominent Features: The Colonial City of Santo Domingo is home to numerous historic buildings and landmarks, including:
Alcázar de Colón: A palace built in the early 16th century for Diego Columbus, the son of Christopher Columbus.
Catedral Primada de América: The first cathedral built in the Americas, which dates back to the 16th century.
Fortaleza Ozama: A 16th-century fortress built by the Spanish to protect the city from invasion.
History: The Colonial City of Santo Domingo has a rich and complex history that reflects the influences of its diverse population. The city was founded by the Spanish in 1498 and served as the capital of the Spanish colony of Santo Domingo for over 300 years. During this time, the city was an important center of trade and culture, and many of its historic buildings and landmarks were constructed.
Fun Fact: The Colonial City of Santo Domingo is home to the first university, cathedral, and hospital established in the Americas.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the historic streets and buildings of the Colonial City, visit the various museums and cultural centers, and take part in festivals and events throughout the year.
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee to explore the Colonial City of Santo Domingo, but some museums and cultural centers may charge admission.
- Alcazar de Colón: The entry fee for adults is 350 Dominican pesos (about $6 USD) and for children is 50 Dominican pesos (about $1 USD).
- Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor: There is no entry fee to visit the cathedral, but donations are encouraged.
- Museum of the Royal Houses: The entry fee for adults is 100 Dominican pesos (about $2 USD) and for children is 25 Dominican pesos (about $0.50 USD).
- The Ozama Fort: The entry fee for adults is 100 Dominican pesos (about $2 USD) and for children is 50 Dominican pesos (about $1 USD).
- The National Pantheon: The entry fee for adults is 100 Dominican pesos (about $2 USD) and for children is 50 Dominican pesos (about $1 USD).
How to Reach it: The Colonial City of Santo Domingo is easily accessible by public transportation, including buses and taxis. Visitors can also explore the city on foot.
Where to Stay: There are numerous hotels and guesthouses located in the Colonial City of Santo Domingo, as well as in the surrounding areas.
Next Stop: National History Park – Citadel, Sans Souci, Ramiers