31 things about Santo Domingo that you didn't know
- Santo Domingo is the largest metropolitan area in the Caribbean by population.
- Founded in 1496 by Bartholomew Columbus, the younger brother of Christopher Columbus, Santo Domingo is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas.
- Dominican Republic dictator Rafael Trujillo renamed Santo Domingo after himself in 1936. ...
What is it like to live in Santo Domingo?
The city is a unique blend of the historic and the contemporary. The Santo Domingo Colonial Zone, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is surrounded by newer neighborhoods that feature cultural centers, business districts and glitzy upscale shopping malls. Santo Domingo is the capital and largest city in the Dominican Republic.
What is Santo Domingo famous for?
The oldest city in the New World, Santo Domingo is both an exotic tourist destination and an important business and finance center. The city is a unique blend of the historic and the contemporary.
What age is Santo Domingo for?
Santo Domingo - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11). Santo Domingo is the capital of the Dominican Republic, an island country in the Caribbean Sea. The city lies where the Ozama River flows into the sea. It is the Dominican Republic's largest city and main port.
Where is Santo Domingo located?
Santo Domingo - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up) The capital and largest city of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo is the oldest permanent city established by Europeans in the Western Hemisphere. The city is situated on the Ozama River on the southeastern coast of Hispaniola.
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What is so special about the Santo Domingo?
Santo Domingo, capital of the Dominican Republic. It is situated on the southeast coast of the island of Hispaniola, at the mouth of the Ozama River, and is the oldest permanent city established by Europeans in the Western Hemisphere. The city is also the seat of the oldest Roman Catholic archbishopric in the Americas.
What is famous about Dominican Republic?
It's the site of the oldest colonial settlement in the Americas, and home to Christopher Columbus's first New World landing point in 1492. More firsts in the Americas: First Catholic cathedral, first university, first hospital, and the first capital city (Santo Domingo).
What are two famous features of the Dominican Republic?
What is the Dominican Republic Most Famous For?Zona Colonial.Dominican Republic beaches.27 Waterfalls.Saona Island.National Zoological Park ✓Lake Enriquillo.Puerto Plata Cable Automobile.The Three Eyes National Park.More items...
What are the 3 most important cities in Dominican Republic?
The capital of the Dominican Republic is Santo Domingo. Other important cities are Santiago, San Pedro de Macorís, La Romana, Puerto Plata, Barahona, La Vega, San Francisco and Higuey.
What are 3 interesting facts about the Dominican Republic?
10 Fun Facts About Dominican RepublicDid you know that the island of Hispaniola was the first permanent European settlement in the Americas? ... Santo Domingo, the oldest city in the Americas. ... The Dominican flag has three colors: red, white and blue. ... Founding father Juan Pablo Duarte designed the flag.More items...•
What makes Dominican culture unique?
Dominican culture is a mixture of the cultures of Spaniard colonists, African slaves, and Taíno natives. European, African, and Taíno cultural elements are most prominent in Dominican food, family structure, religion, and music.
Who is the most famous person in Dominican Republic?
Famous people from Dominican RepublicManny Ramírez. Baseball Player. ... David Ortiz. Baseball First baseman. ... Mary Joe Fernández. Tennis Player. ... Sammy Sosa. Baseball Player. ... Oscar de la Renta. Fashion Designer. ... Robinson Canó Baseball Player. ... Pedro Martínez. Pitcher. ... Bartolo Colón. Pitcher.More items...
What is the most important place in Dominican Republic?
Santo Domingo Santo Domingo is the capital of the Dominican Republic. This city is located in the South of the country and is its political, economic and cultural center. It is a real Caribbean metropolis with a rich historical heritage.
What should I buy in Dominican Republic?
Souvenirs from the Dominican Republic – What to Buy in 2022?Small gifts: lime-dolls, larimar stone and shark-amulets. ... Dominican coffee: “Santo Domingo” and “Barahona” ... Dominican cocoa: cocoa balls and powder. ... Dominican cosmetics: vegetable oils and extracts. ... Dominican fruits: mango, avocado, limonsillo, noni, anona.More items...
What is the richest city in Dominican Republic?
Los Cacicazgos is a district or neighborhood of city Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic. It is one of the richest neighborhoods in Dominican Republic and the wealthiest in the city of Santo Domingo. This district has the lowest poverty rate in the city surpassing the neighborhood of Piantini.
What city has the most Dominicans?
As of the 2010 census, the top 25 U.S. communities with the largest Dominican populations are the following: New York City, New York – 576,701. Lawrence, Massachusetts – 30,243....Geographic distribution.StateMaineDominican Population (2010 Census)610Percentage0.0%Most recent estimate (2017)952Percentage (2017)0.1%51 more columns
What language does Dominican Republic speak?
SpanishDominican Republic / Official languageSpanish is a Romance language of the Indo-European language family that evolved from colloquial Latin spoken in the Iberian Peninsula of Europe. Today, it is a global language with more than 500 million native speakers, mainly in the Americas and Spain. Spanish is the official language of 20 countries. Wikipedia
What is the main product of the Dominican Republic?
The Dominican Republic mostly exports ferronickel, cigars, plastics, electrical equipment, bananas, jewellery, medical equipment, clothing, scrap metals and beverages. The Dominican Republic's main exports partner is the United States, accounting for over 65 percent of total trade.
What is Dominican Republic national dish?
One of the most common recipes in the Dominican Republic is La Bandera, which is considered the national dish. It is a colorful meal that matches the colors of the country's flag and consists of rice, red beans, meat, and salad.
Why is Punta Cana so popular?
Punta Cana, located on the east coast of the Dominican Republic, has become internationally renowned as a beautiful tropical vacation paradise with luxurious, eco-chic, value-priced, accommodations.
What is Dominican Republic's national animal?
the Palm ChatOne national animal is the Palm Chat, a small songbird that nests in large groups on Royal Palm trees. Another is the Hispaniolan hutia (Plagiodontia aedium), the last living native land mammal which is the official national animal of the West Indies of the Dominican Republic.
What is the capital of the Dominican Republic?
Santo Domingo is the capital and largest city in the Dominican Republic. The metropolitan population was estimated at about 3.7 million in 2010.
What is the name of the promenade that runs along the Caribbean?
Another interesting attraction is the Santo Domingo Malecón, the promenade that runs along the Caribbean. This area features many hotels and restaurants, and is the setting for important events like Carnival.
What is the oldest city in the Caribbean?
A visit to Santo Domingo is a unique opportunity to see the oldest city in the New World while also experiencing a dynamic Caribbean cultural and business center. Ozama Fortress. Parque Colón. Alcázar de Colón. Santo Domingo Malecón. Carnival.
What are the best places to visit in Plaza de la Cultura?
Other places of interest in Plaza de la Cultura include the Museum of Modern Art, the Museum of Natural History and the National Theater.
Is Santo Domingo the first city in the Caribbean?
An Overview of Santo Domingo: The First City in the Caribbean! We believe that Santo Domingo is both the first and the best city in the Caribbean… and we want you experience it for yourself! The oldest city in the New World, Santo Domingo is both an exotic tourist destination and an important business and finance center.
What is Santo Domingo famous for?
What is Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic famous for? We have to say that Santo Domingo is most famous for being where the European Culture first reached the New World and a European style City first appeared.
When was Santo Domingo built?
This is a monastery that was built between 1509 and 1560 when the Franciscan Friars arrived in the New World. The ruins of this building are regarded as one of the most important in the city and are part of the “Santo Domingo Colonial City UNESCO site.”
What was the first university in Santo Domingo?
Finally, in our list of FIRSTS for Santo Domingo is the University of Santo Tomas de Aquino. The very first-University built in the New World in 1538.
What was the purpose of the San Domingo invasion?
It was in San Domingo that plans were laid for significant campaigns in the Caribbean islands and the mainland. It was also where they launched invasions that gradually expanded the Spanish possessions in the New World.
Who attacked Santo Domingo?
Shortly after the outbreak of the Anglo – Spanish war, it did not take very long for the British to set their sites on Santo Domingo, and in 1586 Sir Francis Drake attacked and sacked the city.
Why did Francisco Roldán rebel against Bartholomew Columbus?
They rebelled due to the unrealistic expectations of Bartholomew Columbus and the unfair punishments. He also upset the natives by burning some at the stake when they defiled Christian images.
Where to see bats in Santo Domingo?
With its beautiful ponds, and even bats that live within its caves, the 3 Eyes National Park is a stunning place to visit in Santo Domingo. It is an absolute must-see if you are visiting the Dominican Republic. It is a natural landscape of three lakes, which are situated within limestone caves. During the tour you can learn how ...
What is the Dominican Republic's oldest viceregal edifice?
Alcazar de Colon. The Alcazar de Colon is a Dominican Republic UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a site or dwelling, which is the oldest viceregal edifice in America. It contains exhibits of medieval and Renaissance artwork and many other historical collections.
What is the largest city in the Caribbean?
Add to Plan. The largest city of the Caribbean in terms of population, Santo Domingo is bustling with things to do. With its Spanish colonial history and its beautiful landscape, the city has a hybrid of past and present things to explore and discover. The tropical city is the perfect place to relax or sightsee.
What is the significance of the Museum of the Royal Houses?
A place of historical significance, the Museum of the Royal Houses is a perfect place in which to learn more about the history of the Dominican Republic. The houses are a fine example of the Spanish colonial architecture in Santo Domingo. Of the buildings, the first contains the offices of government and the Royal Court.
What to do in Santo Domingo?
La Zona Colonial is the historic colonial center of the city. Here you can spend days on end with things to do and see. This is also one of the best places to visit in the Dominican Republic for cultural events, social movements, art galleries, museums, nightlife, and trendy restaurants. If you’re worried that this is a place only for tourists or touristy things, it’s actually a neighborhood for both locals and tourists. You’ll find local artists, local theatre, local community centers, local LGBT bars, and much more! So if you love history and culture — La Zona Colonial is the place to go in Santo Domingo.
What is the purpose of the ride through Santo Domingo?
While to us travelers this is a fun and exciting (when it swings out of the station it feels like zip-lining) ride through the northern outskirts of Santo Domingo… for many locals, it’s finally a way to get around and connect to more opportunities in the city center. This is a vital means of everyday local transportation that helps Dominicans and our environment.
What is the play Microteatro Santo Domingo about?
Microteatro Santo Domingo is a unique theatre concept 15-minute plays by Dominican actors/writers about local Dominican life, culture, love, and relationships. It’s in an intimate and sometimes interactive space often with just you and a dozen other spectators + the actors.
What is the capital of the Dominican Republic in 2021?
Updated on July 7, 2021 by Isabelle. 22. Mar. The capital city of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo is often overlooked by travelers to the island who prefer beach towns or resort getaways. But Santo Domingo, once the capital of the Spanish Americas, is one of the most fascinating and exciting cities to visit.
How much is Uber in Santo Domingo?
Uber: Getting around Santo Domingo can be safe, relatively affordable via Uber (about $3-5 each way depending on the distance ). Use code: q0vfd for $5 off your first Uber ride!
Is Santo Domingo a good place to visit?
Santo Domingo is also the perfect launching pad for various day and side trips, making it an auspicious destination to stop by and recharge in between your travels throughout the Dominican Re public.
Does Santo Domingo have nightlife?
Santo Domingo offers a ton of nightlife opportunities in various parts of the city . However, I personally already got much of that out of my system a while ago. Today, I do enjoy a chill night out once in a blue if the vibe is right.
What is the Dominican Republic?
The Dominican Republic is the 86 th most populous country in the world. It has an area of 48,670 sq km. It is a sovereign state located in the island of Hispaniola, in the Greater Antilles archipelago of the Caribbean region. Santo Domingo is its capital and largest city. Spanish is the official language of the Dominican Republic. The natives or inhabitants of this country are called Dominican. Peso (DOP) is its currency. It has only one bordering country and that is Haiti.
What is the Dominican Republic's currency?
Peso (DOP) is its currency. It has only one bordering country and that is Haiti. Dominican Pesos in the black wallet. With these interesting facts about the Dominican Republic, let’s explore more about this Hispaniola island nation, which was once ruled by its adjacent nation and had a turbulent time in the past.
What is the color of a lizard in the Dominican Republic?
The lizard varies in length from 60 to 136 centimetres while their skin color could be steely grey, dark green or brown. Interesting facts about Dominican Republic: a male rhinoceros iguana, Pedernales Province, Dominican Republic, 2007. Image credit – Wikipedia.org. 54.
Which country shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti?
It is Cuba. 4. The country shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, making Hispaniola the one island shared by two countries. The Dominican Republic occupies the eastern five-eighths of the island of Hispaniola while the western three-eighths of the island is occupied by the nation of Haiti. 5.
Which country is the only one in the world to produce a rare blue variety of the silicate mineral pecto?
The Dominican Republic is the oldest European settlement in the Western Hemisphere. 42. The Dominican Republic is the only country in the world to produce a rare blue variety of the silicate mineral pectolite. Its color changes from white, light-blue, green-blue to deep blue.
When do humpback whales visit the Dominican Republic?
16. The northern west part of the island, the Bay of Samana, sees humpback whales that visit the island every year between December and March for mating.
Who is the only Dominican baseball player to be in the Hall of Fame?
50. Juan Marichal is the only Dominican player who is a part of the Baseball Hall of Fame.
What was Saint Dominic's campaign?
An important part of his campaign was the establishment of a convent of nuns at Prouille, formed in 1206 from a group of women converted from the heresy. Saint Dominic Presiding over an Auto-da-fe, oil on panel by Pedro Berruguete, 1493–99; in the Prado, Madrid.
What was Dominic's gift?
Dominic was gifted in being able to conceive his ideal, to form his men to that ideal, and then to trust them completely. His leadership had great clarity of vision (even to the geographical distribution of his forces and precise details of legislation), firmness of command, and certainty of execution.
Where was Domingo de Guzmán born?
Domingo de Guzmán was born in Castile, possibly a year or two later than 1170, the traditional date. His father was lord of the manor in the village, and his mother was also from the local nobility. He studied at Palencia and then joined the canons regular (a religious community attached to the cathedral of a diocese) of Osma about 1196, and he became subprior, or assistant to the superior, a few years later. In 1203 Diego, bishop of Osma, was sent on a royal mission abroad and took Dominic with him.
Where did Dominic spend his life?
The rest of Dominic’s life was spent either in Rome, where he was given the church of San Sisto, or traveling.
Who supported the Albigenses?
A regularized Albigensian hierarchy had come into existence, and local feudal lords, especially the count of Toulouse, supported the Albigenses. Pope Innocent III had launched a mission to preach against the heresy.
