Columbus Lighthouse (Faro A Colon)
Columbus Lighthouse (Faro A Colon)
Columbus Lighthouse (Faro A Colon)
3.5
Speciality Museums • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
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This multi-million-dollar lighthouse was built in 1992 to celebrate the 400 year anniversary of Columbus's landing in the Americas and is the site of the explorer's bones.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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3.5
710 reviews
Excellent
198
Very good
220
Average
197
Poor
67
Terrible
28
James W
Albuquerque, NM66 contributions
Jun 2022
We made a pilgrimage to the Columbus Lighthouse before returning our rented car at SDQ airport. Getting there from Route 3 was an interesting and challenging experience in itself. We finally found the access roads and made it to our destination at 4:00, but the building was closed. All we could do was walk around the massive structure and peek through a crack and a locked gate to see a lonely looking military man in uniform who was sitting in a plastic chair. He was apparently guarding the bones of Christopher Columbus. Frankly, we felt that the monument grounds were a little sad; the landscaping wasn't very well maintained. Regardless, it's a unique site that honors an amazing person.
Written June 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
quistravel
United States371 contributions
May 2022
Seems like you either love or you hate it, I loved it. After living here for many years I finally decided to pay it a visit. The building is impressive, the tomb of Columbus is more impressive and the exhibits are very interesting. It's free to visit and you can see everything in 45 minutes.
Written May 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
B1714D
Belgrade, Serbia16,140 contributions
Jan 2022
This is a very intriguing, difficult to rate monument. Italian born and sailed out to the New world under the Spanish flag, neither of these countries ever had such architecture. If I was put here not knowing where I am, I'd guess I'm in ex USSR or some ex eastern block country.
So, I wonder whose idea was to build this brutal massive concrete structure ??!!
But, this strong contrast with everything else you see in DR (as well in all Caribbean) and the importance of Columbus discovery makes you visit it.
Faro a Colon lies in the eastern part of SD, across the Ozama river in a huge park. It's around 10 min drive from Zona Colonial, and there's a pretty big parking lot. Heavy police presence, felt safe - do NOT come after sunset as it's not safe as police told us (nor there's anything you can do).
The edifice is in a shape of a huge cross, enormous in size, like a 7,8 stores bldg high. Entry is free. Beneath the center of the cross is a big Columbus grave monument with his remains as they say (although everybody knows it is in Seville Cathedral), while above it is a crown symbolizing the lighthouse.
On the shorter Cross arm are few Chapels with some paintings, while on the longer Cross arm is a total confusion of several interconnected rooms with displays and pics from Japan, China, EU, South America,....really didn't find a clue why they're there (explanations are mostly in Spanish).
In my opinion the authorities could find a much better (and way less expensive) way to honor Columbus - I doubt he'd like this as well.
TIP: Combine your visit here with the 3 eyes National park, which is only 5 min drive from here (for the lighthouse you need around 30 min for a visit).
So, I wonder whose idea was to build this brutal massive concrete structure ??!!
But, this strong contrast with everything else you see in DR (as well in all Caribbean) and the importance of Columbus discovery makes you visit it.
Faro a Colon lies in the eastern part of SD, across the Ozama river in a huge park. It's around 10 min drive from Zona Colonial, and there's a pretty big parking lot. Heavy police presence, felt safe - do NOT come after sunset as it's not safe as police told us (nor there's anything you can do).
The edifice is in a shape of a huge cross, enormous in size, like a 7,8 stores bldg high. Entry is free. Beneath the center of the cross is a big Columbus grave monument with his remains as they say (although everybody knows it is in Seville Cathedral), while above it is a crown symbolizing the lighthouse.
On the shorter Cross arm are few Chapels with some paintings, while on the longer Cross arm is a total confusion of several interconnected rooms with displays and pics from Japan, China, EU, South America,....really didn't find a clue why they're there (explanations are mostly in Spanish).
In my opinion the authorities could find a much better (and way less expensive) way to honor Columbus - I doubt he'd like this as well.
TIP: Combine your visit here with the 3 eyes National park, which is only 5 min drive from here (for the lighthouse you need around 30 min for a visit).
Written January 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MichaelBNielsen
Odense, Denmark365 contributions
Jan 2022
I really don’t understand what is the idea with this place. It is a massive grey building, with a chapel or church inside. There’s long aisles with exhibitions with all kind of stuff from different countries, There is no explanation, there is no light so you can read the few signs and there is absolutely to clue why they are showing stuff from Japan and also explaining something about the European Union?! Outside you can see the Pope Mobil. Don’t spend you time a this place.
Written January 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
RCDS_Family
South Frontenac, Canada410 contributions
Nov 2021
We had a quick stop for pictures as part of a tour. Tour guide gave us a brief overview.
Interesting site and would liked to have spent more time and explore.
Interesting site and would liked to have spent more time and explore.
Written December 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
El Dorado
Los Angeles, CA341 contributions
Nov 2020
This place is a bit of a dark tourist spot. People don’t got there often, and I had to basically convince my private tour guide to take me there. But it’s unique and cool. I’ve seen some questions as to whether or not it;s safe to visit and it definitely is. There are soldiers sitting out front. One should feel totally confident visiting this. I found it very interesting.
Written November 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rashunal
Kingston upon Thames, UK50 contributions
Mar 2020 • Solo
Arrived during opening hours late in the afternoon but it had already shut. Nevertheless I found this was a fantastic place to see a sunset. And as the sun sets the exterior of the lighthouse goes through a transformation in colour from concrete grey to a soft sunset yellow. The grounds were also almost deserted apart from some children flying kites.
Watch out after sunset - the police onsite warned me of threats of mugging, so take a good taxi back to your accommodation if you are not on a guided tour.
Watch out after sunset - the police onsite warned me of threats of mugging, so take a good taxi back to your accommodation if you are not on a guided tour.
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Companion571859
3 contributions
Dec 2018
This is worth a drive by. No need to get out and walk around. It is basically just a monument located near the centre of the city.
Written November 11, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Russell L
London, UK37 contributions
Sep 2019
This is a most interesting large modern structure only a short ride from the centre of Santo Domingo by Uber or by Taxi.
It is an amazing structure built by a British architect and completed in 1992 to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the arrival of Christopher Columbus on the island that he named Hispaniola. The central passage is open to the sky with the ‘lighthouse’ structure at one end, below which is a large elaborate mausoleum where, it is claimed, Columbus is buried (though there is a rival tomb in the cathedral in Seville, Spain). On either side of the central passage are rooms with exhibits of ethnic artefacts from the many countries on the American continent who combined to provide the finance to build the edifice.
It makes for a very pleasant and rewarding half day out, though note that there are no permanent catering facilities at the site.
It is an amazing structure built by a British architect and completed in 1992 to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the arrival of Christopher Columbus on the island that he named Hispaniola. The central passage is open to the sky with the ‘lighthouse’ structure at one end, below which is a large elaborate mausoleum where, it is claimed, Columbus is buried (though there is a rival tomb in the cathedral in Seville, Spain). On either side of the central passage are rooms with exhibits of ethnic artefacts from the many countries on the American continent who combined to provide the finance to build the edifice.
It makes for a very pleasant and rewarding half day out, though note that there are no permanent catering facilities at the site.
Written November 3, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
r t
Bromsgrove, UK630 contributions
Aug 2019
We're shown this on our day trip from the coach. The area looks very depressing and run down. The building itself is very odd and ugly looking
Written August 29, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Natalà F
Rosario, Argentina177 contributions
Hola, el sitio se puede visitar gratuitamente? Se cobra entrada? Hay guÃas? Iré en unos meses a Santo Domingo por lo que necesito información acerca de todo! Gracias!
gilmerortiz
Medellin, Colombia3 contributions
Hola buen dÃa , estuve en febrero del presente año en el faro , si hay cobro pero muy económico, estamos hablando de menos de 5 dólares, está entrada te da derecho a la guÃa por todo el sitio , hay parquedero gratuito, es buena idea alquilar un carro, la visita se hace en dos o tres horas aproximadamente dependiendo de tu ritmo , existen muchos otros atractivos que deberÃas conocer
Columbus Lighthouse (Faro A Colon) (Santo Domingo) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Columbus Lighthouse (Faro A Colon)
- We recommend booking Columbus Lighthouse (Faro A Colon) tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 61 Columbus Lighthouse (Faro A Colon) tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Columbus Lighthouse (Faro A Colon):
- Historical Santo Domingo Day Trip from Punta Cana (From $95.00)
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- Santo Domingo Colonial (City Tour) (From $63.00)
- Santo Domingo city. (From $87.18)
- Private Historical Santo Domingo Day Trip (From $570.00)
- Hotels near Columbus Lighthouse (Faro A Colon):
- (0.98 mi) Hodelpa Nicolas de Ovando
- (1.18 mi) Novus Plaza Hodelpa
- (1.41 mi) Hotel Villa Colonial
- (1.31 mi) Casas del XVI
- (1.26 mi) El Beaterio
- Restaurants near Columbus Lighthouse (Faro A Colon):
- (1.06 mi) Nacan Restaurant
- (1.03 mi) Morrofino
- (1.02 mi) Pat'e Palo European Brasserie
- (1.23 mi) El Buho Eatery
- (1.03 mi) Buche Perico