Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
MAP
GOOGLE MAP
(National Pantheon; Las Damas; 9am-5pm Tue-Sun)
Originally constructed in 1747 as a Jesuit
church, this was also a tobacco warehouse and a theater before dictator Trujillo restored
the building in 1958 for its current use as a mausoleum. Today many of the country's most
illustrious persons are honored here, their remains sealed behind two marble walls. The
entire building, including its neoclassical facade, is built of large limestone blocks. As be-
fits such a place, an armed soldier is ever present at the mausoleum's entrance - along
with a powerful fan since it does get hot. Shorts and tank tops are discouraged.
Plaza de María de Toledo
Named in honor of Diego Columbus' wife, this plaza connecting Las Damas and Isabel la
Católica is remarkable for two arches that were once part of the Jesuits' residence in the
17th century. Note the buttresses that support the Panteón Nacional: they are original, dat-
ing back to the construction of the Jesuit church in 1747, and a likely reason the building
has survived the many earthquakes and hurricanes since.
PLAZA
Reloj del Sol
(Las Damas)
Across from the Museo de las Casas Reales, this sundial was built by
Governor Francisco Rubio y Peñaranda in 1753 and positioned so that officials in the
Royal Houses could see the time with only a glance from their eastern windows.
MONUMENT
Monasterio de San Francisco
(Calle Hostos)
The first monastery in the New World belonged to the first order of Francis-
can friars who arrived to evangelize the island. Dating from 1508, the monastery origin-
ally consisted of three connecting chapels. Today the monastery is a dramatic set of ruins
that is occasionally used to stage concerts and artistic performances.
It was set ablaze by Drake in 1586, rebuilt, devastated by an earthquake in 1673, re-
built, ruined by another earthquake in 1751 and rebuilt again. From 1881 until the 1930s it
was used as a mental asylum until a powerful hurricane shut it down - portions of chains
used to secure inmates can still be seen.
HISTORICAL SITE
Ruinas del Hospital San Nicolás de Barí
HISTORICAL SITE
