Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The cathedral's current interior is a far cry from the original - thanks to Drake and his
crew of pirates, who used the basilica as their headquarters during their 1586 assault on
the city. They stole everything of value that they could carry away and extensively vandal-
ized the church before departing.
Among the cathedral's more impressive features are its awesome vaulted ceiling and its
14 interior chapels. Shorts and tank tops are strictly prohibited.
Although Santo Domingo residents like to say their cathedral was the first in the
Western hemisphere, in fact one was built in Mexico City between 1524 and 1532; it
stood for four decades, until it was knocked down in 1573 and replaced by the imposing
Catedral Metropolitano.
Tickets, purchased at the entrance in the southeastern corner of the site, include an au-
dio guide available in a variety of languages (RD$40 without audio guide). Daily mass is
at 5pm Monday to Saturday and noon and 5pm Sundays.
CHURCH
Convento de la Orden de los Predicadores
(Convent of the Order of Preachers; cnr Calle Duarte & Padre Billini; varies)
Built in 1510 by
Charles V, this is the first convent of the Dominican order founded in the Americas. It is
also where Father Bartolomé de las Casas - the famous chronicler of Spanish atrocities
committed against indigenous peoples - did most of his writing. The vault of the chapel,
remarkable for its stone zodiac wheel carved with mythological and astrological repres-
entations, is worth a look. On the walls are various paintings of religious figures, includ-
ing Pope Saint Pius V.
Capilla de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios
(Chapel of Our Lady of Remedies; cnr Las Damas & Las Mercedes; varies)
The Gothic-style
chapel was built in the 16th century by alderman Francisco de Avila and was intended to
be a private chapel and family mausoleum. Early residents of the city are said to have at-
tended Mass here under its barrel-vaulted ceiling. It was restored in 1884.
CHURCH
Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes
(Church of Our Lady of Mercy; cnr Las Mercedes & José Reyes; varies)
Constructed during the
first half of the 16th century, the church was sacked by Drake and his men and reconstruc-
ted on numerous occasions following earthquakes and hurricanes. The church is remark-
able for its pulpit, which is sustained by a support in the shape of a serpent demon. The in-
tricate baroque altarpiece is carved from tropical hardwood. Of the group of buildings that
CHURCH
