Discover the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo

Visit Santo Domingo Cathedral

Santo Domingo Cathedral, located in the colonial center of the historic district, is a must-see attraction in Santo Domingo. Dating from the 16th century and featuring intricate carvings, paintings and wall ornaments, it is the oldest church in the Americas. Be sure not to miss its two stunning silver altars and Franciscan chapel, two priceless pieces of architecture that add an extra layer of beauty to this magnificent place.
After exploring the interior, take time to admire the exterior of the building. As you walk around, you'll spot the historic balconies that overlook El Parque Colon and its picturesque colonial fountain. Take a look inside the bell towers or sit in one of the five outdoor chapels, each featuring statues of famous saints from Dominican culture. Then, take a leisurely stroll through the colonial zone – admiring the colorful palaces and historic mansions as you go – before finally returning to your starting point for an unforgettable Santo Domingo tour.

Explore Fort Ozama and its monuments

Located next to Santo Domingo Cathedral, the Fortress Ozama (Fortaleza Ozama) is an important historical structure that is a must-see for any tourist in the city. Built in 1502, it remains one of the oldest military fortifications still standing in the Americas. As you explore its lands, be sure to notice its drawbridge and colossal walls that tower over visitors, a testament to its power and resistance throughout the centuries.
As you walk around the fort you can also find some of its most interesting monuments. Inside, there is a crypt containing the remains of Démania Domininquez de Mendioroz, an adventurous Franciscan priest who explored Central America to spread Christianity, and other important figures such as General Francisco Gregorio Billini (l Dominican equivalent of George Washington in the United States). Outside, you can see the zigzag cannon sites and lookouts that offer visitors stunning views of the Colonial Zone and the city.

Photos of the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo

Take a tour of the Alcazar de Colon

The Alcázar de Colón, a structure and former palace in the colonial zone and named after Christopher Columbus is a must-see. It was built by Diego Columbus, Christopher's son. The palace is ornately decorated with hand-painted ceramics, ornate furniture, artifacts from Native American cultures and more. Another highlight of the palace, visitors can also admire numerous paintings by Christopher Columbus himself. Not only that, a visit to the Alcazar de Colon will also give you a glimpse of some of the major historical events in the history of the Dominican Republic due to its 100-year tenure as a government land.
The palace-turned-museum is located in the center of one of Santo Domingo's most dignified neighborhoods, the Plaza de España. Its remarkable gardens feature a wide variety of plants and trees, adding an extra dimension to this attractive historic site. It also offers spectacular views of the entire city. Located directly in front of the palace is the large monument of the Juan Pablo Duarte Obelisk which was built in 1982 to honor one of the founding fathers of the Dominican Republic. All these factors make visiting the Alcázar de Colon an experience not to be missed when visiting the colonial area of Santo Domingo.

Enjoy the nightlife and entertainment in the Colonial Zone

No trip to the capital of the Dominican Republic is complete without experiencing the nightlife and entertainment that the colonial zone of Santo Domingo has to offer. An abundance of bars, clubs and discos guarantee visitors a night of incredible music, dancing and atmosphere. From live bands playing Latin tunes in beer gardens to electronic mixers in nightclubs, there's something for everyone. A particular highlight is the Sabina Bar, which plays a variety of funk and hip-hop music for party-filled late nights until the wee hours.
In addition to clubs, the colonial area also offers many street performers who bring costumes and comedy to the area. Visitors can explore galleries and boutiques while enjoying delicious local cuisine. To end an evening in the colonial zone of Santo Domingo take a stroll through one of their picturesque squares for a bit of romance. Whether it's lounging on an outdoor patio or clubbing until the sun rises, there's something for everyone in this beautiful corner of Santo Domingo.