Official Language:
Spanish
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Currency:
Dominican Peso
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Population:
Approximately 8 million people call the Dominican
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Weather:
Climate and current weather information for Santo Domingo: Island is quite warm and very humid. The rainy season of May through November is especially warm and wet. You will find temperatures in the high 80°F/27°C's during most winter days with cooler temperatures in the mountains and temperatures.
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The Dominican Republic occupies approximately two-thirds of the Caribbean’s second largest island with the remainder of the island belonging to Haiti. Columbus named the island La Espanola, meaning little Spain. Eventually, the name became Hispaniola.
In 1493 Christopher Columbus returned and established the first European settlement anywhere in the New World. The island included the tallest mountains anywhere in the Caribbean, some at almost two miles in height. Besides Cuba, the island is the Caribbean's largest. It is so big that two countries share it: Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
Few tourists know about of splendor of this island. Only a few cruise lines visit the Dominican Republic ports. Cruise ships dock in 2 locations, Santo Domingo, which is the nation's capital and contains two cruise piers - the older pier of Sans Souci and the newly opened pier, Don Diego located only a few minute's walk from the Old City and Puerto Plata, located on the island's northern coast which is within walking distance of everything in Puerto Plata.
The city and the port of La Romana is located in the south east of Dominican Republic, and is across from Catalina Island. La Romana was founded near the end of the 19th century, and grew quickly after the establishment of a large sugar mill in 1911. Here you can visit the Casa de Campo, a luxury resort. You can also visit Santo Domingo, which is the New World's oldest colonial city. Other points of interest are the artist village of Altos de Chavon and the Chavon River , which was the location for the filming of "Apocalypse Now". Catalina Island is located off the coast of La Romana. Cruise passengers can spend the day here or travel to Casa de Campo and Altos de Chavon on the mainland.
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Attractions |
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Alcazar of Columbus:
Built by Christopher Columbus's son Diego. A 1514 Spanish castle containing a museum that displays colonial antiques and reproductions.
Museum of the Royal Houses:
Originally the Spanish Palace of Justice, this building served as the colonial Office of the Governor, the Royal Court, and the Treasury. It is now home to a museum that details the nation's history.
Cathedral de Santa María la Menor:
Completed in 1523, this is the oldest cathedral in the Western Hemisphere. It was constructed using local coral limestone.
Plaza of Culture:
Located in the new section of Santo Domingo, here you will find the National Library, the National Theater, the Museum of Natural History & Geography. The Museum of Modern Art is also located here and displays the work of Dominican and international artists as well as the Museum of Dominican Man, home to an extensive collection of pre-Columbian artifacts.
Los Tres Ojos:
A cavern to which you can discover a series of subterranean lagoons.
Shopping:
Mercado Modelo:
Santo Domingo's central market, where you will find the wooden carnival masks and hand made wooden chairs can be taken apart and boxed up. This is the place to do your bargaining as the asking price is generally much higher than the selling price.
Las Atarazanas:
Craft shopping within a series of colonial warehouses that were converted into boutiques, galleries, and restaurants.
Golf:
The Coyacoa Golf Club in Santo Domingo features a Pete Dye course.
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More Information |
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Web: http://www.sdq.com/thecity/
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