Zona Colonial is the most important place in the Dominican
Republic when it comes to the country's history during the colonial
period. As the name suggests, the
area represents the country during
the Spanish colonization. Most of the areas from this period are
preserved, and tourists can virtually travel through time so that
they will see structures and even pave ways built more than 300 years
ago. If you're traveling to Santo Domingo, we highly recommend
visiting this place with
your lady companion. This area is also a
World Heritage Site because of the remarkable structures found in one
place.
The Cathedral
Properly called Catedral Primada de América, the church was
built in 1514 and designed by Alonzo Rodriguez. Aside from the
remarkable Gothic design, it's the first
Cathedral to be built in the
New World. Complementing the main structure are 14 small chapels
built into the side. These additional structures are interesting on
its
own because they were built with a different architectural design
depending on the year they were constructed. Elizabethan, Renaissance
and Moorish are only a
few of the architectural designs featured in
the chapels. Masses are still held in the Cathedral today.
The Columbus Palace
Known to the locals as Alcazar de Colón, this structure was
built in 1511. The name suggests the history of the structure. It was
built under the leadership of Diego
Columbus - Christopher's son.
Today, the structure is home to the old furniture that was made as
early as the 16th century. But more than just a museum, the structure
is also proof of the power the Dominican Republic had during the
reign of Diego Columbus. Santo Domingo controlled Puerto Rico, Cuba
and Jamaica during the reign
of Columbus' son. Located in Plaza de
España, entrance fees are required to gain entrance.
Shopping
Shopping in Zona Colonial is a bit limited but tourists still
frequent the area for some souvenirs. El Conde is a very popular
shopping destination for tourists who want
to have a carefree and
relaxed atmosphere. The entire area of El Conde is closed to any form
of transportation. Tourists have to walk the entire eight blocks of
shops
to have a closer look at the souvenir shops and restaurants.
Nightlife and Culture
The activities in Zona Colonial are not just limited to the day.
The area is also known for its party atmosphere as some of the
country's best bars are located in Zona
Colonial. There are also
theaters found in the same area that constantly hold shows.
Walking Tours
If you want to learn more about Zona Colonial, the best way to do
it is to sign up for a walking tour. Most tour companies located in
Santo Domingo can arrange some
walking tour so that the most popular
destinations can be visited. Try to get in touch with the tour
operators in advance so that you can request a tour any day of
the
week. Zona Colonial is a very interesting place in the Dominican
Republic and an afternoon in this place will tell the tourist a lot
about the country's history.
Visiting Zona Colonial During Your Dominican Adult Vacation
