Santo Domingo

Castles & palaces

Fortaleza Ozama

This fortress stands at the entrance to Santo Domingo's colonial city and is regarded as the oldest surviving European military structure in the Americas. Overlooking the Ozama River and located within a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is a great spot for a historical stroll.

Museums & galleries

Alcázar de Colón

The first European-style fortified palace built in the Americas, constructed between 1511 and 1514. It stood in ruins for many years before being restored as a museum in 1957, and today it stands within a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Temples & religious sites

Basílica Catedral Metropolitana Santa María de la Encarnación

The oldest cathedral in the Americas, built between 1504 and 1550. As the first bishop's seat in the New World, it holds great historical value.

Nature

Ozama River

A river running through downtown Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, rising in the mountains and flowing down near the town of Villa Altagracia. It's pleasant to stroll along the riverbank and take in the relaxed scenery.

Temples & religious sites

Dominican National Pantheon

Built in the 18th century as a Jesuit church, this building has since become a national symbol of the Dominican Republic. It is the resting place of the country's distinguished figures, and its neoclassical facade is also worth seeing.

Temples & religious sites

Santo Domingo Dominican Republic Temple

Located on Avenida Bolívar in Santo Domingo, this is a temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As the first temple built in the Caribbean region, it stands out for its white granite exterior.

Temples & religious sites

Monasterio de San Francisco

These monastery ruins in the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo are known as the oldest monastery in the Americas. They are well worth a stop while strolling through the UNESCO World Heritage district.

Nature

Los Tres Ojos National Park

A limestone cave located within Mirador del Este Park in Santo Domingo, named for the three lakes it contains. It is one of the Dominican Republic's most popular tourist attractions.