Basilica Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor
Basilica Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor
Basilica Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor
4.5
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Basilica Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
333 within 3 miles
Attractions
167 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
3,228 reviews
Excellent
2,013
Very good
957
Average
222
Poor
22
Terrible
14
andy y
36 contributions
Mar 2023
The cathedral itself is nice to walk in and look around, though you have to pay a small fee to enter. I encountered a very mediocre 'tour guide' who posed as a gate guard, so watch out for that. The cathedral can definitely be administered better.
Written April 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BrakiWorldTraveler
Belgrade, Serbia19,452 contributions
Dec 2021
Among many "first things" in SD, this Basilica is the most important one imo.
In Spanish they call it simply the First Cathedral (Catedral Primada), as it was the first Catholic breakthrough in the Americas. Today it celebrates more than 500 years on American continent.
The Basilica is located on the southern side of the Columbus park, behind Columbus back, and shines intact in its beauty. Interiors are very nice, including the altar and many side chapels.
The only reason I deduct one star is because they charge entry. Place of worship should be free for everyone.
In Spanish they call it simply the First Cathedral (Catedral Primada), as it was the first Catholic breakthrough in the Americas. Today it celebrates more than 500 years on American continent.
The Basilica is located on the southern side of the Columbus park, behind Columbus back, and shines intact in its beauty. Interiors are very nice, including the altar and many side chapels.
The only reason I deduct one star is because they charge entry. Place of worship should be free for everyone.
Written January 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AniMal76
Mantsala, Finland87 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
While every historical spot in the Colonial Zone costs something to go in, this one is really cheap. For less than 2 USD you get also a recorded guidetour. And the inside of the cathedral is much more beautiful than the outside. Really worth the money and the time.
Written February 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ryan L
Brimfield, MA265 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
The cathedral is located in the tourist area of Santo Domingo and makes for a very easy trip.
The cost to get into the Cathedral was only a few dollars and made for a great experience. It is very beautiful inside and gives a great look into the architecture of when Santo Domingo was settled.
The cost to get into the Cathedral was only a few dollars and made for a great experience. It is very beautiful inside and gives a great look into the architecture of when Santo Domingo was settled.
Written December 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AMsays
Thornhill, Canada4,909 contributions
Jun 2023
Americas’ oldest cathedral is dedicated to St. Mary of the Incarnation. Completed in 1550 after 46 years in notable Gothic style whose architecture is reminiscent of European cathedrals. The outside limestone edifice is a golden coral colour sporting unique façades of archways, ribbed walls, bell towers, columns and rose windows. Inside there is a renowned treasury with an excellent art collection of ancient woodcarvings, paintings, furnishings, funerary monuments, silver, and jewelry which unfortunately I was unable to view as the cathedral was closed. Christopher Columbus was once intombed here but now resides in a crypt at the Columbus Lighthouse, here in Santo Domingo as he had wished.
Written July 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jay G
Haiti3 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
I can't say anything about this place that hasn't already been said. It's an ancient building packed with history. An air-conditioned sanctuary to sit and relax a while to escape the tropical Santo Domingo heat. Buy the audio guide if you want to hear details about the interior.
Written January 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dick L
Battle Ground, WA188 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
This place is amazing. The oldest cathedral in the Americas was begun in 1504 and finished in 1550. It is the first one ordered to be built by the Pope at that time. It is not as ornate as I had imagined, and I have visited other churches in Peru, Brazil and Mexico that have more silver and gold in them, but this is worth the visit. Women and teens are asked not to show their knees, and are given wraps to use when in the cathedral.
Written March 21, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gerri
French River, Canada362 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
Absolutely one of the most beautiful churches I have ever been to in my life.
16 chapels inside. The structure is amazing.
It's a very emotional place no matter what your higher power or beliefs are. Just sit a moment and reflect. Say a prayer and give thanks for all the good life has to offer.
16 chapels inside. The structure is amazing.
It's a very emotional place no matter what your higher power or beliefs are. Just sit a moment and reflect. Say a prayer and give thanks for all the good life has to offer.
Written May 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kahnster
Pinetop-Lakeside, AZ698 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
The cathedral is the oldest in the Americas, I believe. It was begun in the 1500’s. There are beautiful painting, carvings, examples of Catholic antiquities, and architecture. Take the audio tour for the best explanation of each area inside.
Written January 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RCDS_Family
South Frontenac, Canada398 contributions
Nov 2021
Great stop in the old city.
The architecture was amazing. You really need to take the time and look at everything. There were a lot of hidden gems.
We were given headphones and an audio player. You can then tour at your own pace.
We enjoyed this stop quite a bit.
The architecture was amazing. You really need to take the time and look at everything. There were a lot of hidden gems.
We were given headphones and an audio player. You can then tour at your own pace.
We enjoyed this stop quite a bit.
Written November 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
do you need proof of covid vaccine for April 2024 visit
Written February 16, 2023
Showing results 1-1 of 1
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing