The Sights g to the 1800’s. At the center is the five-floor high Torre del Homenaje with its six-foot thick walls, and a lookout platform with a 360 degree view of the river, city and countryside. Daily 9am-6pm. Adults RD$30, children between 10-15 yrs. RD$10. Calle Las Damas, 809.333.8672.
here Spain ruled over the New World Empire. It was the administrative center of the West Indies, housing the Royal Court, Treasury, Governor’s Office and law courts. Tues-Sun 9am-5pm. Adults RD$50, children between 10-15 yrs. RD$20. Calle de Las Damas, 809.682.4202.
Capilla de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios Originally a private chapel for the early 16th century Dávila mansion next door, today cultural exhibitions and concerts are held there. Calle Las Damas.
Sundial This timepiece still tells the time. It was built in 1753 to keep the royal audiences held in the Casas Reales on time. Calle Las Damas off from the Museo de las Casas Reales. 13 Inside the Fortaleza Ozama
Plaza María de Toledo Small plaza named in honor of Diego Columbus’ noble wife, niece of King Ferdinand of Spain. 9am-6pm. Calle Las Damas opposite Hostal Nicolás de Ovando. 10
Panteón Nacional
Built from 1714-1745, as a Jesuit convent and church before the Jesuits were expelled from Spanish colonies, the building was used as warehouse and cultural center. In 1956 it was converted to the National Pantheon and now serves as a mausoleum for some of the Dominican Republic’s most influential figures behind its stone walls. Daily 8am-9pm. Free admission. Calle Las Damas, 809.689.6010. 11
Casa del Cordón
Completed in 1504, this is the oldest stone house in the Americas, originally owned by Francisco de Garay, who came to Hispaniola with Columbus. Its portal features an impressive stone carving of the characteristic cord of the Franciscan order. Banco Popular offices are located there. Mon-Fri 8am-3pm. Free admission. Calle Isabel La Católica & Emiliano Tejera, 809.544.8915. 14
Plaza de España
What was once the center of colonial power and trade with a mix of merchants, sailors and Spanish high officials, is today a large romantic plaza replete dotted with restaurants, bars and steps overlooking the Ozama River.
Hostal Nicolás de Ovando
Overlooking the Ozama River, this manor was once the home of Nicolás de Ovando, first governor of Santo Domingo and court official Francisco Dávila. The building has since been restored into a luxury hotel. Calle Las Damas. 12
Museo de las Casas Reales
Built between 1503 and 1520, this museum now displays the DR’s history from 1492-1821. From
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Inside the Museo de la Casas Reales