UNESCO Colonial Zone | Hodelpa Nicolás de Ovando
Discover the Colonial Zone
What to Do in the Colonial Zone
Mercado Modelo
Mercado Modelo is a popular market that invites you to immerse yourself in the heart of Dominican culture. If you venture to the back, you will find an impressive selection of fresh products: from tropical fruits and vegetables to fresh seafood from the island. It is the perfect place to experience the most authentic flavors and enjoy local life.
Columbus Park
Columbus Park is the heart of the Colonial Zone and one of Santo Domingo's most iconic landmarks. Surrounded by historic buildings, cafés, restaurants and monuments, this lively square invites visitors to discover the city's colonial heritage while enjoying its vibrant atmosphere.
Located at the junction of El Conde Street and Arzobispo Meriño Street, it is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll, admiring the architecture, enjoying live music and sampling local cuisine at its restaurants and cafés. Its prime location makes it a must-visit destination for anyone wishing to experience the true essence of the Dominican Republic.
Las Damas Street
Las Damas Street is the oldest street in the Americas and one of the most historically significant places in the Colonial City. Walking along it is like stepping back in time as you discover some of Santo Domingo's most iconic monuments and buildings, which bear witness to the early years of Spanish colonisation.
Along this emblematic street, you will find palaces, fortresses, museums and remarkable heritage buildings that reflect the city's rich history and architectural legacy. Its peaceful atmosphere and outstanding cultural heritage make it an essential stop for anyone wishing to experience the true essence of the Dominican Republic.
Primate Cathedral of the Americas
The Primate Cathedral of the Americas is one of Santo Domingo's greatest historical treasures and is recognised as the first cathedral built in the Americas. Its architecture blends Gothic and Renaissance influences, reflecting the city's importance during the early years of Spanish colonisation.
Located on Arzobispo Meriño Street, opposite the iconic Columbus Park, it invites visitors to explore centuries of history through its chapels, works of art and monumental spaces. Its impressive presence makes it a must-visit destination for anyone wishing to discover the cultural and religious heritage of the Dominican Republic.
Columbus Alcázar
The Alcázar de Colón is one of the most iconic landmarks in the Colonial City and one of the most important stately residences in the Americas. Built in the early 16th century, it was the home of Diego Columbus, the son of Christopher Columbus, and today houses a museum featuring a remarkable collection of period furniture, works of art and historical artefacts from the Spanish colonial era.
Located in Plaza de España, this impressive palace invites visitors to explore its grand halls, courtyards and terraces while discovering the legacy of the early years of Spanish colonisation. Its architectural and cultural richness makes it a must-visit destination for anyone wishing to learn about the origins of Santo Domingo and the history of the New World.
National Pantheon
The National Pantheon is one of the most solemn and representative monuments in Santo Domingo. This majestic building houses the remains of some of the most distinguished figures in Dominican history and serves as a space dedicated to memory, national identity and patriotic values.
Its elegant architecture and the changing of the guard ceremony that takes place inside make every visit a deeply symbolic experience. Located in the heart of the Colonial City, the National Pantheon offers visitors the opportunity to explore the country’s history while discovering one of the most significant landmarks in the Dominican Republic.
Kahkow Experience
Kahkow Experience is a must-visit attraction for chocolate lovers and one of the most unique experiences in the Colonial Zone. This space dedicated to Dominican cocoa invites visitors to discover the history, cultivation and production process of one of the Dominican Republic's most iconic products.
Located at 102 Las Damas Street, it offers an interactive experience where visitors can create their own chocolate while learning the secrets behind the high-quality cocoa that has earned the country international recognition. A perfect activity for the whole family that is sure to delight all the senses.
Pat'e Palo European Brasserie
Pat'e Palo European Brasserie is one of the most iconic restaurants in the Colonial City, renowned for its elegant cuisine and its prime location overlooking Plaza de España. Its menu combines European culinary traditions with high-quality ingredients, offering a refined dining experience in an exceptional historic setting.
Located at 25 Atarazana Street, it is the perfect place to enjoy lunch or dinner surrounded by the colonial architecture of Santo Domingo. Its sophisticated atmosphere and outstanding cuisine make it a must-visit destination for lovers of fine dining.
Church and Convent of the Dominicans
The Church and Convent of the Dominicans is one of the most important religious monuments in the Colonial City and is considered the oldest Catholic building in the Americas still in use. Its historic architecture and close connection to the early years of Spanish colonisation make it a landmark of the Dominican Republic's cultural heritage.
Located on Padre Billini Street, this iconic monumental complex invites visitors to explore centuries of history through its religious spaces and remarkable architectural legacy. It is a must-visit destination for anyone wishing to discover one of Santo Domingo's greatest historical treasures.
Maraca
MARACA is a restaurant where creativity, design and gastronomy come together to offer a unique dining experience in the heart of the Colonial City. Its culinary concept blends local and international flavours in a modern, vibrant setting full of character.
Located at 202 Arzobispo Nouel Street, it is the perfect place to enjoy outstanding cuisine, signature cocktails and a welcoming atmosphere that reflects the contemporary spirit of Santo Domingo.
Dominican Rum Museum
The Dominican Rum Museum invites visitors to discover the history and tradition behind one of the Dominican Republic's most iconic drinks. Through interactive exhibits, historical artefacts and audiovisual displays, visitors can learn about the rum-making process and its importance to the country's culture and identity.
Located at 261 Isabel La Católica Street, in the heart of Santo Domingo's historic centre, the museum offers an experience that combines learning and flavour, including tastings of different varieties of Dominican rum. It is the perfect place to discover one of the Caribbean's greatest traditions in a unique setting.
Museum of the Royal Houses
The Museum of the Royal Houses is one of the most important cultural attractions in the Colonial City and a must-visit destination for discovering the history of Santo Domingo. Housed in a former 16th-century administrative building, the museum offers an insight into the political, social and cultural development of the colonial period through an extensive collection of historical artefacts, documents and exhibitions.
Located on Las Damas Street, this iconic museum takes visitors on a journey through more than 500 years of history, showcasing the legacy of Spanish colonisation and Santo Domingo's importance as the first capital of the New World. Its remarkable heritage makes it an essential stop for anyone wishing to gain a deeper understanding of the Dominican Republic's past.