Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
after year. Below is a quick rundown of some of the best sights
of Santo Domingo.
El Alcazar:
This palace was the home of Christopher Colum-
bus's son, Diego, and it served as the center of the Spanish
court. Today it holds period furniture.
Calle Las Damas:
The oldest street in the New World, this
Santa Domingo street was named for the ladies of the Spanish
court.
Museo de las Casas Reales:
The Museum of the Royal
Houses, 36 Maria Nievas Ricart is filled with 16th-century ex-
hibits, all housed in the former offices of the colony's govern-
ment.
Fortaleza Ozama:
This former prison and fort was the first
military station built in the Spanish colonies.
Catedral de Santa Maria:
The first cathedral in the Ameri-
cas, this 1514 church has a Gothic interior and a Spanish re-
naissance exterior. Until 1992, the mausoleum here held the
remains of Christopher Columbus; they were then moved to
Faro a Colon, below.
Faro a Colon:
Columbus's Lighthouse, built in the shape of a
cross, was constructed for the 500th anniversary of the landing
of Christopher Columbus. Along with a museum, the building
contains what are believed to be Christopher Columbus's re-
mains, which were removed from the Catedral de Santa Maria.
Spain disputes that these are actually Columbus's remains.
Amber Museum of Santo Domingo:
This well-done museum
explains the origin of amber, with examples of amber-encased
insects and reptiles.
809-682-3309.
Beaches
Much of the Dominican Republic's early beach development
was along the north shore in Puerto Plata, but today an increas-
ingly popular hot spot is the southeastern coastline.
Just over half an hour's drive from the metropolis of Santo
Domingo lies
Boca Chica.
Once a quiet fishing village, today
this beachside community is home to major tourist complexes,
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