Santo Domingo

Welcome to Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo is where the Americas began—the first permanent European settlement in the New World, founded by Bartholomew Columbus in 1496. The Zona Colonial preserves the oldest cathedral, monastery, and fortifications in the hemisphere, where the Spanish launched expeditions that would reshape world history. Beyond the UNESCO-listed old town, the modern capital of the Dominican Republic pulses with merengue rhythms, baseball passion, and Caribbean energy. While most visitors head directly to beach resorts, Santo Domingo rewards urban explorers with unmatched historical significance and authentic Dominican culture.