Before arriving in the heart of town are Montecristi’s unmistakable, renowned salt ponds. A mainstay of the Montecristi economy for hundreds of years, the salt manufacturing process has remained unchanged since the first settlers arrived in Montecristi. You can tour the area to see how sea salt is made; seawater is concentrated in shallow, man-made ponds before the seawater evaporates, leaving behind large salt crystals that are then transformed into table salt. It’s a unique experience in the DR, and well worth the stop on your way into town.
El Morro rises 242 meters (794 feet) above sea level, gracing Montecristi’s coastal scenery with one of the most striking, unique views in DR. The dry, subtropical forest landscape around El Morro is surrounded by extensive stands of mangroves that can be seen up close on foot, or by boat.
Emulating Paris’s Notre Dame Cathedral, this historic Catholic church stands on one end of the town square, attracting visitors with its 19th century neoclassical-gothic design, striking stained glass windows, and a belfry surrounding an ornate mahogany altar.
Uncover the history of Cuba’s independence! Once the 19th century home of Dominican General Máximo Gómez, the small, single story residence turned museum houses key historical documents related to Cuba’s independence.
The clock tower in Montecristi’s town square, shaped like a mini-version of the Eiffel Tower, was designed by French engineer Alexandre Gustave Eiffel of Eiffel Tower-fame, and built by famous French clockmaker Jean-Paul Garnier.
Before arriving in the heart of town are Montecristi’s renowned salt ponds. You can tour the area to see how sea salt is made; seawater is concentrated in shallow, man-made ponds before the seawater evaporates, leaving behind large salt crystals that are then transformed into table salt.
Villa Doña Emilia was once the residence of the Rodríguez Jiménez family, who imported building materials from France in the late 19th century and assembled the house at its current location.
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