Santo Domingo is located in the Dominican Republic and it is a really popular vacation spot. It has a typical Caribbean climate with high temperatures and high humidity and from June to November it has the storm season, so it is best to visit this place in the first months of the year. On the other hand, this destination is perfect to enjoy its good weather and that very colonial touch of its old area.
En Santo Domingo we can enjoy natural spaces of great beauty, beaches but also an old town that tells us a lot about its history. This island that Columbus called Hispaniola when he arrived in America is today a great tourist destination with much to see.
Colonial zone in Santo Domingo
One of the most interesting places that we can see in Santo Domingo is its colonial zone, which is the oldest. In it we can see the wonderful Cathedral of Santo Domingo, which has the privilege of being the first church to be built in the New World. It is also known as the First Cathedral of America and was erected in the XNUMXth century. It has a Gothic Renaissance style and inside we can see altarpieces. The Parque Colón is the central area of that old part that belongs to the first European city founded in America. In this square we can see a statue dedicated to Christopher Columbus and enjoy a good atmosphere.
Another part that can be seen in the Colonial zone is the Ozama Fortress located in front of the mouth of the Ozama River. This XNUMXth century fortress was built in a marked medieval style, inspired by European castles, but over time it grew with other parts. Today it can be accessed through the Carlos III gate to see the outstanding Torre del Homenaje in medieval style, the powder magazine or the shooting areas. In the Alcázar de Colón Museum we can see the first viceregal palace in the New World, which had to be restored after years of neglect. Today you can see several rooms with furniture from the time. Another of the museums found in the old town is the Museo de las Casas Reales. In this museum it is possible to know the colonial history of the country. Formerly this building was the Palace of the Governors and the Royal Court.
Columbus Lighthouse
This beautiful monument is a place erected in honor of Columbus. It was finally built in the XNUMXth century, although the idea was there for centuries. The idea was that the monument represented on the one hand a Mayan pyramid and on the other a cross to symbolize the union of these two worlds. It is a great space that should be visited calmly. Inside we have several rooms in which there are temporary exhibitions and also places such as the Archaeological Museum, the map library or the great library.
The Three Eyes Caves
If we want to get out of the city a bit and discover incredible natural landscapes such as the Cuevas de los Tres Ojos. These caves are located in the Mirador del Este Park. There are several inland lakes and one outside. We will be able to see several of them, such as the Sulfur Lake that has a white background and is named because it was thought to contain sulfur, although it was later discovered that it did not. In the Refrigerator we find the coldest of the three or the Lake of the Ladies, which was a place used as a spa for children and women. You can tour the caves in boats and you can admire the walls, some of which are painted by ancient aborigines.
Botanical Garden
This is the largest botanical garden in the Caribbean and it is said that one of the most interesting in the world, so it is worth seeing. It was inaugurated in the seventies in order to preserve the biodiversity of the area. You can find several ecosystems and thousands of botanically cataloged species. There are different places that stand out in this visit, such as the central square or the Floral Clock. There is an ecological museum and we can visit the Herbalist, in which there are medicinal, aromatic and even toxic plants. Throughout the year there are also various activities such as courses or talks and even the National Festival of Plants and Flowers.
Malecon of Santo Domingo
The area of the Malecón in Santo Domingo is undoubtedly a leisure space. Although it is known as the Malecón, it is actually called George Washington Avenue and runs parallel to the coast. In this place we find many luxury hotels, casinos, important restaurants and party venues. It is a really lively place, both day and night and the ideal place to go for a walk or enjoy a little fun.