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This is the very first cathedral church of the "New World"! And even after more than 500 years, or maybe exactly because of its over 500 years, the "Catedral Primada de las Americas" is still the most venerated Roman Catholic church in the Dominican Republic. It is also known as "Catedral de Santo Domingo", as "Catedral Basílica de Santa María la Menor" or also as "Basílica Catedral Metropolitana de Santa María de la Encarnación". Its Gothic ceilings, baroque altars, colonial paintings and works of art will certainly catch your attention. According to legends, the remains of Christopher Columbus were buried in its sacred soil. Just one more reason to do not miss visiting "Catedral Primada de las Americas", a Unesco's appointed "World Heritage Site" in 1990, as part of Santo Domingo's "Ciudad Colonial"! Enjoy!…
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Date of experience: November 2019
1 Helpful vote
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This beautiful cathedral, the earliest built in the Americas, still maintains a quiet, peaceful aura to it despite its tourist attractiveness, and is a lovely spot to both admire the architecture and to sit for a few minutes amidst the bustle of the area. There's a statue of Christopher Columbus near the cathedral, and has a history stretching back to the 16th century.…
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Date of experience: August 2019
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We enjoyed the tour of the cathedral, very beautiful, they have audio headsets available for the tour explaining the history. A must see while in Santo Domingo!!!!
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Date of experience: January 2020
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Beautiful City great place to visit great restaurants and good tropical weather I move out USA for this country.
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Date of experience: February 2020
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This cathedral has a long history, and is famous for a number of reasons. It is located on Calle El Conde pedestrian street. A statue of Christopher Columbus is placed here, as this location was the site where his remains were interred in 1542. The cathedral is a must see when visiting Santo Domingo. It is also known as the site where Francis Drake set up his headquarters for a month in 1586. It was after he threatened to destroy the cathedral, that the Spanish agreed to his request for ransom of the city. The cathedral is better known as "Basilica Cathedral of Santa María la Menor". It was built between 1510-1540, and was the first cathedral in the Americas. If you walk along Calle Isabel La Católica, to the left of the cathedral, you will be able to access the rear courtyard. The main attraction here is the bust of Fernando Arturo de Merino, who lived between 1833–1906. He was the 21st president of the Dominican Republic and also the first archbishop of the country. He managed to balance religion and politics throughout his life. He spoke out against the annexation of his country by Spain in 1861, and for this he was sent into exile. After travelling through Europe and the Americas, he returned to the DR after the war of restoration (1863-1865) toppled Spain from power and restored local governance. He was also an outspoken critic of the attempted annexation of Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic) by the USA in 1869. He was again exiled by the Dominican President Buenaventura Báez, and did not return to the DR until 1876. Between 1880-82, he was President of the DR. In 1885 he became archbishop. He is still fondly remembered today for his bravery in standing up for Dominican independence and freedom. The views of the rear courtyard are not as impressive as the front of the cathedral, but it is quite interesting and there will be less tourists. After visiting this site, take a stroll to nearby Calle Padre Bellini, where Duarte Park, Bellini Park, Fray Bartolomé de las Casas Park and Iglesia de Nuestra Senora del Carmen can be visited.…
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Date of experience: January 2020
2 Helpful votes
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