Guide Note

Discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1492, the Caribbean island of the Dominican Republic was the first permanent European settlement in the Americas.¹ More and more settlers were drawn to the country for its gold deposits. The city of Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, was founded by Columbus’ brother, Bartholomew Columbus, who was governor of the country at the time.² The western third of the island was conquered by the French in 1804 and became Haiti.³ Many tourists visit the Dominican Republic each year for its beaches and historic past.

Fast Fact

1. Country: Dominican Republic
2. Language: Spanish
3. Currency: Dominican Peso (DOP)
4. Population: 8.3 million (as of 2000) ⁴
5. Country Code: 809 and 829
6. Area code: +1
7. Time zone: Atlantic UTC
8. Average annual climate: 77°F ⁵

1. Cathedral of Santa Maria: Located in Santo Domingo, the Cathedral of Santa Maria is the oldest cathedral in the western hemisphere. It was built in 1523 and is still used today. ⁶
2. Colonial City: The historic section of Santo Domingo is known as the Colonial City because of its many historical sites, which include palaces, forts, museums, churches, plazas and monuments. Retrace the steps of Christopher Columbus down the Calle Das Lamas, the oldest street in the New World. ⁶
3. Columbus Lighthouse Monument: The monument was built in the early 1990s to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus' arrival in the New World. The structure houses what are reportedly the remains of Columbus. Also on display are documents and artifacts from Spanish colonial times. ⁶
4. National Aquarium: This aquarium is one of the better ones in the Caribbean for the variety of its species, including a manatee that was rescued as a baby. ⁶
5. Plaza de la Cultura: The Museum of Modern Art, the Museum of History and Geography, the Museum of Natural History, the Museum of the Dominican Man and the National Theater are all neighbors in this plaza. ⁶
6. Los Tres Ojos National Park: This park contains a number of large natural caves with fresh water lagoons and stalactites and stalagmites inside. The Taino Indians used the site for religious ceremonies. ⁶

If planning a trip, please see Dominican Republic Hotels, Dominican Republic Restaurants and Dominican Republic Tours.

• How to Book a Cheap Flight
• How To Book a Cheap Hotel Room
• How to Speak Spanish
• Packing Tips