Discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1492, the Caribbean island of the Dominican Republic was the first permanent European settlement in the Americas.Visiting-the-Dominican-Republic.com: History of the Dominican Republic 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. GoDominicanRepublic.com: Dominican Republic History The western third of the island was conquered by the French in 1804 and became Haiti.CIA-The World Factbook: Dominican Republic Many tourists visit the Dominican Republic each year for its beaches and historic past.

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. iExplore: Cathedral of Santa Maria
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. iExplore: Colonial City
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. iExplore: Columbus Lighthouse Monument
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. iExplore: National Aquarium
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. iExplore: Plaza de la Cultura
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. iExplore: Los Tres Ojos National Park

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

• Fodor's: Dominican Republic Shopping