Santo Domingo's Colonial Zone

From conquistadors to pirates, this Caribbean Capital is packed with enough interesting history to quench the thirst of even the most curious of world travelers   . . . 

This Website Contains Affiliate Links

A Look at Spanish History in the Heart of the Caribbean

It was the middle of a hot Caribbean Summer when I checked in to a cheap no-frills hotel in the heart of Santo Domingo's Colonial Zone. I spent three full days roaming about in search of history, excitement, and the Colonial way of life. Here is what I found:

Parque Colon

Columbus Park

The ultimate tourist hot-spot of the Colonial Zone seems to be Parque Colon (Columbus Park). It is here that you will find a dedication to Santo Domingo's founder Bartolome Columbus. The center of the square features a much larger statue of his more famous brother, Christopher. Yes, that's right the Christopher Columbus, and just up the street you can visit his house.

Cathedral of the Americas

Encircling this busy square are many restaurants, museums and attractions, but the one thing that stands out the most is the Cathedral of the Americas. Construction on this church began in the 1500s making it the oldest of its kind in The New World. 

Spanish Fortifications

Ensuring the success of a new settlement most definitely requires the ability to defend it. The old part of town was once surrounded by walls, and all over city you can still see many sections that remain. The most notable defensive structure is known as La Fortaleza. This mighty stronghold is located at the southeastern corner overlooking the port. 

La Fortaleza

The jail on the interior once held some pretty reputable people including local politicians, rebels, and even Columbus himself. The exterior walls were lined with several dozen cannons to fend off those that were seeking to pillage important resources. One of the budlings I found most interesting in this complex was the powder keg that housed all this firepower. It was designed to resemble a chapel; this was to fool the enemy in event of attacks. 

Fort San Gil

A bit further west along the Malecon, you may find this smaller defensive outpost known as Fort San Gil. This 16th century battery once guarded this section of the coastline. Sadly, it seems to have fallen into a bit of disrepair over the ages. 

Early Colonial Architecture

One place that I found extremely interesting was the ruins of Monastery San Francisco. This very large stone structure was built in the 1500s and was the first monastery in the Americas. Over the ages it has withstood may conflicts and disasters, but now leaves only this shell behind as a testament to its past. 

Monastery San Francisco

Throughout the town you will see many intriguing stone structures including chapels, residences, and government buildings. There is so much history in each of these that it is impossible to cover it all. No matter which direction you look, there is sure to be something to catch you eye. 

Some of these historic locations pictured above include: Catedral Castrense de Santa Bárbara, Iglesia de Nuestra Senora del Carmen, ​Iglesia Conventual de los Dominicos, Iglesia de San Lázaro, and Casa del Cordon. 

Deeper Into History

Las Casas Real (The Royal Houses) functions as a museum containing artifacts that showcase the lifeways of those who once called this place home. As you wander through the interior, you will be treated to informative exhibits with the option of an audio device that explains each display in various languages. Some of the artifacts you will see here range from nautical equipment to griding devices for grains and even an old sugar cane press. 

Museum of the Royal Houses

Just down the road you may want to stop in and pay your respects to the people who crafted this enduring society, and you will find them at the Pantheon de la Patria (Pantheon of the Fatherland). This Neo-Classical design was originally constructed as a Jesuit church, it now serves as a mausoleum to house the remains of the country's most notable contributors. 

Pantheon de la Patria

But there is one historic figure in tow who seems to be elevated to a level above all others. Everywhere you go in this city there are statues and monuments to Juan Pablo Duarte. So, who is this guy? Duarte was once a revolutionary freedom fighter, and is considered to be the founding father of the Dominican Republic. Independence was officially achieved in 1844.​

Independence Park

Located at Parque Independencia (Independence Park) is another crypt that you may want to seek out. Here in this building, Duarte is entombed alongside his revolutionary partners and co-founders of the country Francisco Sanchez and Metias Mella.

Food & Beverage 

One thing you are guaranteed to find in plenty is delicious foods that have been crafted by influences from all parts of the world. Most seem to be a fusion of Caribbean and Spanish cuisine, but there are also many that seem to have adopted a bit of Asian flare as well.

I now feel the need to give a shout out to some of my favorite dining establishments in
​Santo Domingo's Colonial Zone. ​

Grand's Cafeteria & Bar - from omelets to sandwiches open 24/7
La Marchanta Restaurant - great for food, drinks, and people watching
Cafetería El Conde de Peñalba - amazing breakfast options
Onno's Zona Colonial Bar & Restaurant - best mofongo ever!
Les Fontaines Restaurant - Caribbean with an Asian twist

You can now watch this entire adventure on YouTube 

Thanks for visiting!
Feel free to comment down below with any questions.

Warning:
Santo Domingo scores fairly high on the crime index, so caution should be used when travelling outside the tourist areas. Even in safe areas scams and theft can be common.