The capital and the largest city in the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo is the oldest city to be continuously inhabited by European settlers in the Americas and also the first seat in the New World of the colonial Spanish rule. Bartholomew Columbus established the settlement here and called it La Nueva Isabella after the Queen of Spain. Later the city came to be known as Santo Domingo after Saint Dominic. Situated along the banks of the Ozama River, Santo Domingo became an important trade centre during the colonial period.
Santo Domingo is the most developed city in the country, which still retains its historical sites that are worth visiting. These impressive buildings are in the Colonial zone and attract a large amount of tourists from all over the world. The Colonial Zone still exists in its original layout along with parts of the defensive wall and is a UNESCO declared World Heritage Site. The architecture is of the late medieval period and comprises of remarkable 16th century buildings, stately palaces and magnificent churches.
Some of the notable structures in the colonial zone, which are the first in the Americas include the Catedral Santa María La Menor, the first Cathedral, Alcázar de Colón, the first castle, Monasterio de San Francisco, the first monastery, the former palace of the Governor General, Museo de las Casas Reales, the historic square, Columbus Park, the oldest fortress, Fortaleza Ozama and the Iglesia del Convento among various other buildings. All this area was in 1990 declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site.
Out of the Colonial zone there is Malecón, a commercially bustling area and a teaming tourist centre. The Plaza de la Cultura with the majestic Teatro Nacional along with the Museum of Modern Art and the Palace of Fine Arts is also another great tourist attraction. There are a number of museums and parks that can be explored while the plazas and shopping centers offer a fine shopping experience. One can sample the delicacies of the Caribbean in the many hotels, restaurants and cafés.
The city is well connected with express highways while public transport includes buses and the underground rail, the Santo Domingo Metro. Santo Domingo is served by two international airports, the Las Américas International Airport and the La Isabella International Airport. The Port of Santo Domingo on the Ozama River is also a port of transit. There is a lot that the Dominican capital has to offer, but it can only be experienced by visiting the city.
Photo by FDLEON provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by FDLEON provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by FDLEON provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by FDLEON provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by FDLEON provided courtesy of Panoramio.com