The Mirabal sisters are the country’s beloved heroines, commemorated in part through their home turned museum, in the small town of Salcedo, approximately an hour outside of Santiago. The sisters were known for fighting to overthrow former dictator Rafael Leónidas Trujillo and were killed for it by Trujillo’s men, which ultimately led to the end of the DR’s most brutal rule. The museum is surrounded with a beautifully landscaped garden, and its interior showcases the Mirabal family’s personal effects, including period furniture within the rooms. There’s a gift shop onsite, as well as a bookstore.
A gathering spot of creatives, Casa de Arte sits in the historic center of downtown Santiago, in a renovated Victorian home. The gallery’s rotating display shows Dominican artists’ works, and the venue often hosts live music or theater performances in the evening.
This all-white Catholic cathedral, designed in Gothic and neoclassical style, dates back to the 19th century. Tour the beautiful interior–which holds the remains of former Dominican leader Ulises Heureaux, as well as other notable personalities of the 19th and 20th centuries.
A beautiful series of permanent exhibits showcase Dominican history and culture, dating back to the Taino days. You’ll also find a visual arts room, displaying the winning art pieces from the annual Eduardo León Jimenes Art Contest, as well as a cigar-focused exhibit recounting the heritage of DR’s cigar industry.
Built in the early 19th century, this yellow-toned fortress has a beautiful, ornate exterior gate with two cannons facing the city. A key defense post during the War of Restoration, US Marines also used the fort as a base during the first US occupation of the DR (1916-1924).
Located directly across from the city’s landmark monument and surrounded by a lush garden, the Gran Teatro del Cibao boasts three levels with large marble and mahogany halls. Year round, the prestigious theater hosts numerous national and international plays, dance performances, operas and concerts.
Monumento a los Héroes de la Restauración
The city’s iconic white marble tower, circled on all sides by a multilevel garden and boasting panoramic views over the city. You can tour its interior, named after the heroes of the Restoration War who died in the fight to regain the DR’s independence from Spain.
The Mirabal sisters, known for fighting to overthrow former dictator Trujillo, are the country’s beloved heroines, commemorated in part through their home turned museum, in the small town of Salcedo. The museum showcases the Mirabal family’s personal effects.
Once served as the city’s town hall, today it’s a contemporary museum, showcasing the history of Santiago through late 19th and early 20th century photographs, including a carnival culture-focused room.
Parque Duarte is the perfect rest stop for a break from visiting the city’s iconic sights. With a ceiling of towering, ancient trees, the park is surrounded with historical buildings, including the cathedral, the former city hall, and the pedestrian-packed shopping street Calle del Sol.
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