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A 16th-Century Testament to Faith and Healthcare
The Church and Hospital of San Lázaro, located in Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone, is a historic complex associated with the care of contagious patients during the colonial era. The single-nave church features a 16th-century Gothic side chapel on its western wall, reflecting some of the earliest architectural expressions in the Americas.
Key Attributes
Climate: Tropical
Ideal for: Historical tourism, colonial architecture, medical heritage
Distinctive element: 16th-century Gothic side chapel
What To Do
Observe the Gothic chapel on the western wall
Learn about the history of colonial healthcare
Explore the single-nave architectural design
Include it in a Colonial Zone historical route
Take architectural photographs
Practical Information
Colonial Zone, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Walkable within the Colonial Zone
Year-round
30–40 minutes
Gothic chapel, colonial hospital history
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Recommendations
Dress respectfully when entering
Visit with a guide for deeper historical understanding
Observe the 16th-century architectural details
Combine your visit with nearby colonial landmarks
Where spirituality and medical care shaped colonial history.
The Church and Hospital of San Lázaro constitutes an important reference of the historical and health heritage of the Colonial City. Its church has a single nave plan, characteristic of early religious architecture in America, and stands out for its Gothic side chapel located on the west wall, dating from the 16th century. The adjacent hospital was built to care for people affected by contagious diseases, reflecting the first medical care initiatives in the New World. This set shows the close relationship between spirituality and social care during the colonial period, consolidating itself as a valuable testimony of Dominican history.
The island that always shines awaits you with open arms
The island that always shines awaits you with open arms
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