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A Religious Heritage Site from the Dawn of the Americas
The Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Altagracia, located in Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone, is one of the earliest religious buildings constructed in the Americas. Commissioned in 1503 by Spanish colonizer Nicolás de Ovando, it stands as a remarkable example of early colonial architecture and spiritual heritage.
Key Attributes
Climate: Tropical
Ideal for: Historical tourism, sacred art, colonial heritage
Distinctive element: 1503 temple featuring a gilded wooden altarpiece from the 16th–17th centuries
What To Do
Admire the gilded colonial wooden altarpiece
Observe colonial-era paintings and sculptures
Learn about the first religious structures in the New World
Attend liturgical celebrations
Include it in a guided tour of the Colonial Zone
Practical Information
Colonial Zone, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Walkable within the Colonial Zone
Year-round
30–45 minutes
Gilded altarpiece, colonial artwork, image of Our Lady of Altagracia
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Recommendations
Dress respectfully when entering the church
Check Mass schedules before visiting
Take time to observe the artistic details of the altar
Combine your visit with other nearby colonial landmarks
A sanctuary that preserves the earliest expressions of faith in the Americas.
The Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Altagracia represents one of the earliest expressions of Christianity in the Americas. Built in 1503 under the direction of Nicolás de Ovando, the church preserves valuable examples of colonial sacred art. Inside, visitors can admire historic paintings and sculptures, along with an image of Our Lady of Altagracia, a figure of deep devotion in Dominican tradition. Its gilded wooden altarpiece, dating from the 16th and 17th centuries, stands out as one of its most significant artistic elements. Today, the shrine remains an essential part of the historical and spiritual heritage of Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone.
The island that always shines awaits you with open arms
The island that always shines awaits you with open arms
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