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Santo Domingo- the Capital of Dominican Republic
The city of Santo Domingo de Guzmán, is founded by the
illustrious governor of the border lands Bartolomeo Columbus in 1496 — is the
first city of the New World. In 1990, its colonial areas have been declared by UNESCO «World Heritage». The modern city of many faces, he saves in his heart
more than three hundred ancient monuments of the colonial era, carefully
protected in order, to attending these places, we can ignore the present and imagine yourself next to Diego Columbus, Maria Toledo and court ladies and hear
the story of the leader Enriquillo, «human dignity and justice,» signed the first peace treaty between the American Indians and the Spaniards.
Do not miss the opportunity to visit the romantic ruins of the hospital of San Nicolás (street Hostos), the Church of Carmen (on the
corner of Arzobispo Noel and Sanchez), the church and the San Lazaro Hospital
(Plaza San Lazaro), the Church and the Cathedral of Las Mercedes (San Street
-Mersedes) and Columbus lighthouse (Los Parques district), the famous building
in the shape of a cross, where the mausoleum containing the remains of Christopher Columbus. A pillar of the cross is 230 meters in length, beam — 70 meters. The height of buildings — 70 meters.
The colonial city
Built in 1502 by Nicolas Ovando, the colonial city has the
oldest, central part of Santo Domingo, rich monuments of the colonial era.
Walking through the streets of Las Damas, you will meet on your way Worship
fort, otherwise called simply La Fortaleza (Fortress). This — the first
fortress of the New World. Here are the Casa de Bastidas, or Captan`s Palace
and the Casa de Ovando, known for its gateway to the Gothic style of Queen
Isabella, the only ones in the world.
On the Plaza de España stands Fortress Columbus — house
where lived Diego Columbus, a son of the great discoverer. The palace was built
in the Gothic style with elements of Arab architecture (the style of «Mudejar»)
and is framed in a luxurious jungle, emphasizes its beauty.
On the street Isabel la Catolica is located one of the
emblematic buildings of the island — the temple of Santa Maria la Menor,
dedicated the Blessed Virgin Mary, patroness of America, as well as Borgulya
Palace, the majestic ruins of San Francisco, Casa del Duarte and the Church of Santa Barbara. On the street Padre Bellini attract the attention of such
historic buildings as the Church of Regina-Angelorum, built over 200 years ago,
the house of a mysterious man in a mask — Casa del Tapao, the church of the
Dominican Order — Los Dominicos building America's first university, the Casa
del Tostado, Church of Santa Clara (Santa Clara), Mint — Cassa case Moneda and other architectural monuments. Here you can have a tasty lunch and later plunge
into the festive atmosphere of the warm night city.
Modern city
Anyone who thinks that their unsurpassed charm of the Santo
Domingo is required only a distant history, is deeply mistaken. Santo Domingo —
a young city, bustling, full of life, entertainments and surprises.
Parks
Between the museum and a stroll through the streets of the
colonial city, and paid tribute to the nature. You will see everything through
different eyes! National Aquarium (Avenida of Spain) — a truly unique
spectacle. Going through the transparent walls of the corridor between the aquarium you feel immersed in the underwater kingdom, populated by multicolored
fish of many different types. The same strong impression and Botanical Gardens
— a green oasis in the center of the modern city, a breathable smells more than
300 species of orchids and recreates all natural tropical zone. Do not miss the
Japanese garden. Parque Mirador del Sur (on the corner of Anaconda prospectuses
and the Mirador del Sur) — a favorite place of citizens for hiking and picnics
in the open air. At night everyone gathers in the disco of the park, set up in
the famous cave tribe Taino Indians, decorated with numerous stalactites and stalagmites.
Entertainments at day and night
In the evening, do everything possible to look into the
«gallera» — a typical construction of a cylindrical form, which are held
cockfights. This show is the best conveys the Dominican spirit. And at night?
Entertainment is not less than the stars in the sky. Casino (open from 17.00 to 4.00), discos, music cafes scenic …
Go shopping
The capital's shops offer the best products of local crafts.
Those who are interested in painting or sculpture, please visit the gallery in the Arsenal area around the fortress of Columbus. Shops and handicrafts
boutiques that concentrate on the cathedral square and on the street Conde.
There are also many shopping centers: Plaza Central, Diamond
Mall, Plaza Naco and others. All the major tourist centers also have shops
distinctive products of local artists.
Modelo Market
Here's what you can find in the market stalls of Mondelo (in Spanish — «Exemplary»), stretching the middle of the avenue Mella: amber and blue stone Larimar, shell-pearl, fruit, carpets, black corals, clothing … The market is bubbling its life full fun and surprises.
Museums
In addition to the National Museum of History and Geography,
National Museum of Natural History and the Museum «The World of Amber», you can
visit the castle of Columbus (Spain Square) — a luxurious building constructed
for the court by the son of Christopher Columbus — Diego. The secret of the
beauty of this majestic palace lies in the harmonious combination of styles of Spanish Gothic and Italian Renaissance. The dense tropical foliage surrounding
the palace emphasizes the perfection of its shapes. On the street Las Damas
worth visiting the museum of the Royal Court, where a life is reproduced
colonial era, presents the habits and customs of the governors, underwater
treasures on display, reveals the innermost secrets of making sugar cane. In the Dominican Museum of Man (Culture Square) you can see the pre-Columbian
civilizations and the local folklore (carnival masks, magical rituals,
«voodoo», the life of the Indians Taino tribe …). There are also interesting
exhibits such as «Papamóvil» — vehicles that served as a means of transportation of Pope John Paul II.
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