Colonial Soul and Caribbean Rhythm.
Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, is not just any city—it’s the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas. Founded at the dawn of the 16th century, it is a city where the past lives on in stone facades, cobbled lanes, and sun-drenched plazas. Our walking tour through this UNESCO World Heritage city was a deep dive into the roots of the “New World.”
A Walk Through History
Our journey began with a visit to the Faro a Colón—the Columbus Lighthouse. This imposing cross-shaped structure of concrete and light stretches 240 meters in length and was inaugurated in 1992 to mark the 500th anniversary of Columbus’ arrival. Inside, it houses a museum with exhibits from various countries and, according to local legend, the remains of the explorer himself.
From there, we made our way into the Colonial Zone, where the centuries seem to fold in on themselves. The Alcázar de Colón, once the residence of Diego Columbus (son of Christopher), is a striking palace with a beautiful arcade front and period furnishings, giving a glimpse into Spanish colonial life. Along the Malecón, the city’s lively seaside promenade, locals gather to enjoy the breeze, music, and food—it’s the heartbeat of the modern city against the backdrop of the Caribbean Sea.
We continued along Avenida Máximo Gómez, lined with cultural landmarks like the National Theater and several museums. The National Palace, with its neoclassical grandeur and domed roof, reflects the country’s modern political life.