Christopher Columbus History in Santo Domingo

Spanish explore Christopher Columbus discovered the island of Hispaniola (which the Dominican Republic shares with Haiti) on his first voyage in 1492, and Santo Domingo was founded by his brother Bartholemy in 1496. The largest city in the Caribbean and the oldest continuously inhabited location in the Americas, Santo Domingo has a modern feel mixed with some of the first outposts of the New World. Here are some top sites that speak to the city’s history.
Columbus Alcazar (Alcázar de Colón)
The entire Zona Colonial is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Alcazar is one of the highlights. The building was completed in 1512 and was once the home of Diego Columbus (son of Christopher Columbus), who acted as Governor of Hispaniola, and his wife María de Toledo. The couple’s bedrooms, grand entertaining hall, and intricate inlaid floors are well preserved.
Columbus Lighthouse (Faro a Colon)
The exact location of Christopher Columbus’ remains are unknown. Some believe he is buried in a tomb in Seville Cathedral in Southern Spain, while others swear that the mausoleum here at the Columbus Lighthouse (Faro a Colon) is his final resting place. Whatever the case, this huge cross-shaped 10-story building, finished in the 1990s to mark 500 years since the 1492 discovery, is an atmospheric memorial to the great days of exploration.
Basilica Cathedral of Santa María la Menor (Catedral Primera de América)
A lasting reminder of the historically close relationship between the Catholic church and the Spanish state, the Basilica Cathedral of Santa María la Menor was built during the 1500s by a succession of architects. The building that stands today is a combination of Gothic, Romanesque, and baroque styles, and plays its own role in the history of Santo Domingo: The English explorer Francis Drake used the cathedral as his headquarters while briefly gaining possession of the city in the 1580s.
83 Tours and Activities | All Santo Domingo Tours

Santo Domingo Colonial City walking tour

10-12 Hours Private Punta Cana Dune Buggies Adventure from Santo Domingo Tour

Transport from Santo Domingo Airport to Punta Cana Hotels

Santo Domingo to La Romana transfer

Colonial Santo Domingo and hidden natural beauties City Tour

Bayaguana Countryside Safari by Runners Adventures

Private transfer from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana (one way)

Shared Round-Trip Transfer: Santo Domingo International Airport

Monkeyland & Plantation Safari Full Day from Juan Dolio

Santo Domingo transfer to downtown (one-way private)

Shared Arrival Transfer: Santo Domingo International Airport to Hotel

Private Transfer from Santo Domingo Airport to Bayahibe

Santo Domingo City Tours Full Day From Punta Cana

Full Day City Tour Santo Domingo

Private Round-Trip Transfer: Santo Domingo City International Airport (12 - 15)

Santo Domingo Airport Transfer (Airport to Santo Domingo) ROUND-TRIP

Santo Domingo to Punta Cana transfer

Private Transfer From Las Americas Inter. Airport to La Romana Cruise Port

Private Transfer From Santo Domingo City to La Romana Cruise Port

Private Arrival Transfer: Santo Domingo International Airport to Hotels (1 - 4)

Private Transfer From La Romana Cruise Port to Las Americas Inter. Airport

Private Santo Domingo Airport (SDQ) Transfers To La Romana & Bayahibe Hotels

Round Mountain with Macao Beach from Santo Domingo
