Santo Domingo

Street in the Zona Colonial::Santo Domingo, Domincan Republic, Caribbean::
Street in the Zona Colonial
Two Bells::Santo Domingo, Domincan Republic, Caribbean::
Two Bells
Caribbean Sea Shore::Santo Domingo, Domincan Republic, Caribbean::
Caribbean Sea Shore

Santo Domingo, on the south Caribbean coast of Hispaniola Island is the main port and capital city of Dominican Republic. It is the oldest European settlement in the New World and professed burial place of Christopher Columbus. Built in the early 1500s, the city was the first hub of Spanish culture and commerce in the western hemisphere.

Columbus Memorial at Cathedral Entrance::Santo Domingo, Domincan Republic, Caribbean::
Columbus Memorial at Cathedral Entrance
Late-Gothic Aisle::Santo Domingo, Domincan Republic, Caribbean::
Late-Gothic Aisle

Basilica Menor (built 1521-1540) is the oldest cathedral in the New World. With passage of time the building was used in many ways. When pirates led by Sir Francis Drake conquered Santo Domingo they used the cathedral as barracks. The cathedral was built in a Spanish Renaissance style, but the interior is a three-aisled Late-Gothic structure. The battlements on the portal are a reminder that the cathedral was once surrounded by a fortified wall.

Cathedral's Interior::Santo Domingo, Domincan Republic, Caribbean::
Cathedral's Interior
Basilica Menor::Santo Domingo, Domincan Republic, Caribbean::
Basilica Menor

Casas Reales was erected in the early part of 16th century. It was taken up by the royal court of justice and island's administration. Opposite the 'royal buildings' is a small sundial installed in 1753, and placed slightly at an angle so the governor and his men could see what time it was from their office windows.

Casas Reales::Santo Domingo, Domincan Republic, Caribbean::
Casas Reales
Faro a Colon::Santo Domingo, Domincan Republic, Caribbean::
Faro a Colon

The lighthouse memorial known as Faro a Colon was built for the 500th anniversary of Columbus's arrival on Hispaniola. This controversial glorification of colonization is a cross-shaped concrete structure. Christopher Columbus remains were transferred from Basilica Menor to the marble tomb inside a building in 1992 when the Faro was officially open. On special occasions the lighthouse projects a beam of light many kilometers into the sky.


© 2000 Maciej Swulinski