Discover the most emblematic corners of Santo Domingo, the 'first city in America' discovered by the Spanish.
If one of your plans was to travel and discover new destinations around the world this year, you should know that the Dominican Republic is one of the most cool to visit thanks to its incredible landscapes and paradisiacal beaches . In addition, it is now very easy to get there because Aeroméxico offers direct flights to Santo Domingo departing from CDMX , so you will no longer have to make those annoying stopovers. This way you will not only travel much more comfortably, but you will be sure that your ' trip ' will be one of the best due to the comforts offered by the planes that fly this route and that they have much larger seats and screens to enjoy the entertainment. If we have already convinced you to travel to this destination, here we share with you the must-see sites that you should visit in the 'first city of America' discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1492.
What to see and do in Santo Domingo?
Columbus Lighthouse
During your trip, an essential thing will be to visit El Faro a Colón , this is a monument built in honor of Christopher Columbus , the great discoverer of America. You will be surprised by its cross-shaped architecture, which represents the Christianization of the Americas. It measures approximately 800 meters long and almost 37 meters high. It is said that the remains of Columbus are found there and that it was inaugurated in 1992 by John Paul II . Now it is a museum consisting of five rooms where temporary exhibitions and conferences are displayed.
COLON FORUM. PHOTO: MACIEJ CZEKAJEWSKI / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
Ozama Fortress
Another experience that you cannot miss in Santo Domingo is visiting the Ozama Fortress , the first 'walled fortress' or permanent military structure in America . It was built by the Spanish in the 16th century, under the direction of Fray Nicolás de Ovando . Its architecture evokes a medieval castle , it consists of a 21-meter-high central tower and a viewpoint. To date, the original cannons that face the Ozama River are preserved , which were used to stop attacks by invaders and pirates. There are also tunnels and dungeons.
OZAMA FORTRESS. PHOTO: OSCAR GARCES / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
Ladies Street
Just outside the Ozama Fortress is one of the most emblematic streets in all of Santo Domingo. This is Las Damas Street – considered the first street of the colonial city –. It was ordered to be built during the government of Nicolás de Ovando , its name is due to the fact that the ladies walked there. Currently on this passage there is the Cocoa Museum , Trampolín Museum , the House of Hernán Cortés – today the French embassy – and the Hotel Nicolas de Ovando.
LAS DAMAS, THE OLDEST STREET IN AMERICA. PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK
Colon Park
Tour the Parque Colón , –formerly Plaza Mayor– and discover the beauty of its surroundings, where the Cathedral of Santo Domingo , the Cathedral Museum , the Borgella Palace stand. and other important monuments. In the middle of it there is a sculpture dedicated to Christopher Columbus, nearby there are benches so you can sit and rest and contemplate the architecture, watch the people pass by, the children run and the fifteen-year-olds take photos. If you get hungry, within the quadrant there are restaurants , cafes and bars .
COLON PARK. PHOTO: ORIOLE GIN / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
Our Lady of the Incarnation
Since you are in Parque Colón, we recommend that you admire the architectural beauty of the Primate Cathedral of America or the Minor Basilica of Santa María de la Encarnación . This religious center is considered the oldest cathedral in America . Its architecture is mostly Gothic in style, however, its interior is in an eclectic style. It has ribbed vaults, inside there are pagan, Christian and apostle details. It is said that the remains of Christopher Columbus were found here.
CATHEDRAL OF SANTO DOMINGO. PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK
Cathedral Museum
To commemorate the 500 years of the Cathedral of Santo Domingo , last year the Cathedral Museum was inaugurated , which exhibits virgins , paintings, candelabras, crucifixes and other objects related to the history of the First Cathedral of America . Many of these pieces date from the 16th century and the 19th century. The venue is interactive, it has a vault where emblematic pieces are kept, as well as a souvenir shop .
CATHEDRAL MUSEUM. PHOTO: INSTAGRAM @MUSEOCATEDRALSD
Where to eat in Santo Domingo?
Ajualä
If you still don't know where to eat in Santo Domingo, we recommend visiting the Ajualä restaurant . This fine dining It is run by the Dominican chef , Savero Stassi , who through a culinary journey will take you to know the local gastronomy of this country, coming from the fields and the coasts. It should be noted that they only use local products, this with the intention of honoring the flavors of the Dominican Republic . We recommend trying white fish with wild mushrooms, creole duck and kingfish eyes. The spot is beautiful and very sophisticated.
Address: Calle Andrés Julio Aybar 13, Santo Domingo
Telephone: +1 829-545-7503 / Website: @ajualard
'CARITE EYES' SAUCER. PHOTO: INSTAGRAM @AJUALARD
AJUALÄ RESTAURANT. PHOTO: INSTAGRAM @AJUALARD
Morisoñando
Although this restaurant is not exactly in the colonial city, visiting it is a must. Its kitchen is in charge of chef Tita , who has created dishes that exalt the new Dominican cuisine , preserving the flavors, essences and local products in each creation. There you have to try the 'Lambí' and 'Travesía callejera', a dish dedicated to the streets of the Dominican Republic.
Address: Las Américas Int'l Airport , Route 66, Cargo City
Phone: +1 829-659-5555 / Website: @morisonandorest
'STREET CROSSING'. PHOTO: INSTAGRAM @MORISONANDOREST
MORISOÑANDO RESTAURANT. PHOTO: INSTAGRAM @MORISONANDOREST
Larimar
Larimar is probably one of the most cosmopolitan restaurants in Santo Domingo. Its design and gastronomy are focused on presenting a menu that exalts world cuisines and, in some cases, Dominican creations. It is worth trying the Mafaldini al tartufo – a black truffle cream and mushroom threads –, the shrimp rice and crab to a good cut of meat . Don't forget to try the desserts, try a glass of wine or a cocktail to refresh yourself. In the spot there is also a terrace and a bar .
Address: Torre Altri Tempi , Av. Roberto Pastoriza 412, Santo Domingo
Telephone: +1 849-449-1394 Website: @larimarsdq
BLACK TRUFFLE CREAM AND MUSHROOM THREADS. PHOTO: INSTAGRAM @LARIMARSDQ
LARIMAR. PHOTO: INSTAGRAM @LARIMARSDQ
Where to stay in Santo Domingo?
Casa del Árbol
Casas del XVI is a hotel group that has 8 types of accommodation available around Santo Domingo. One of the most beautiful and with personality is the Casa del Árbol, named after the mango tree that is in its patio. This boutique hotel offers four luxury rooms , each with a private bathroom and great amenities. The mansion where it is located also offers a lobby, library, breakfast option and private massages.
Website: casadelxvi.com
CASA DEL ÁRBOL. PHOTO: INSTAGRAM @CASASDELXVI
Hodelpa Nicolás de Ovando
Located on Las Damas Street, the Hodelpa Nicolás de Ovando hotel is one of the most popular accommodations in the area. It has 92 colonial-style rooms and four suites that share the property's historical legacy. Its interior houses Restaurant 1502, which offers an a la carte menu, and Taverna del Mojito , a bar where you will enjoy great cocktails. There is also a spa and an outdoor pool.
Website: hodelpa.com
HOTELPA NICOLAS DE OVANDO HOTEL. PHOTO: HOTEL NICOLAÁS DE OVANDO
Kimpton Las Mercedes
Kimpton Las Mercedes is one of the newest accommodations in the Dominican Republic. This boutique hotel fuses modern luxury with the historic charm of Santo Domingo. Therefore, each of its spaces combines 16th century architecture with contemporary comfort. It has 130 rooms , 5 colonial bedrooms , function rooms, three restaurants : El Patio, Coral and Zola. It also has a terrace, wellness area and outdoor pool.
Website: ihg.com
KIMPTON LAS MERCEDES. PHOTO: KIMPTON
This article was originally published in Food and Pleasure. Visit their site for more articles on gastronomy, lifestyle, and culinary pleasures.
