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Flights to Santo Domingo
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The capital and largest city of the Dominican Republic is also the oldest permanent European settlement in the Americas and is hence steeped in history and culture. Santo Domingo attracts tourists for its history as well as for its great weather and scenery.
Cuidad Colonial
Inscribed in 1990 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site the Colonial City of Santo Domingo is one of the most important cities in the Americas as this was the location of the first permanent European settlement, settled by Christopher Columbus who first landed here in 1492. The city is actually home to several firsts – the first cathedral in the Americas, the first university, and the first castle.
The Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor was begun in 1514 and completed in 1540 and has remained well preserved despite its age. Some reports suggest that the remains of Christopher Columbus are buried within the cathedral.
Alcazar de Colon was the first ‘castle’ in the Americas. This was built by Columbus’s son, Diego Colon, in 1512 as a family home and governor’s residence. After years of falling into disrepair it was renovated in the 1950’s and now stands as a tourist attraction, containing artefacts and colonial art.
The third large landmark in the historical city is Fortaleza Ozama, or Ozama Fortress. This too was built in the 1500’s and was constructed in order to protect the port entrance to Santo Domingo.
Museums in Santo Domingo
If all the walking around historic buildings has prompted you to find out more about the history of Santo Domingo there are several excellent museums here to visit. The National Museum of History and Geography, and the Museum of Natural History and just two, but the Museum of the Casas Reales is very good too, depicting life in 16th century Santo Domingo.
On the Plaza de la Cultura you’ll find the Museum of Modern Art amongst others. This is the largest in the Caribbean and features much local and Caribbean works.
Flights to Santo Domingo
Flights to Santo Domingo arrive at the Las Americas Airport (airport code: SDQ), located south of the capital city, about 30 minutes driving time from the city centre. Flights to Santo Domingo from the UK can be taken with numerous different airlines all of which require one connection. Air France, Virgin Atlantic Airways, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, Iberia, US Airways, and Continental Airlines are among the airlines providing travellers with one stop flights to Santo Domingo from the UK.Santo Domingo Tourist Attractions
While most of the Dominican Republic is visited for its beaches, Santo Domingo is visited for its history and culture, and despite the coastal location does not actually have its own beach. The historical centre of the city, called Cuidad Colonial, is one of the top tourist destinations, but in fact the whole of this large city has a variety of attractions on offer.Cuidad Colonial
Inscribed in 1990 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site the Colonial City of Santo Domingo is one of the most important cities in the Americas as this was the location of the first permanent European settlement, settled by Christopher Columbus who first landed here in 1492. The city is actually home to several firsts – the first cathedral in the Americas, the first university, and the first castle.
The Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor was begun in 1514 and completed in 1540 and has remained well preserved despite its age. Some reports suggest that the remains of Christopher Columbus are buried within the cathedral.
Alcazar de Colon was the first ‘castle’ in the Americas. This was built by Columbus’s son, Diego Colon, in 1512 as a family home and governor’s residence. After years of falling into disrepair it was renovated in the 1950’s and now stands as a tourist attraction, containing artefacts and colonial art.
The third large landmark in the historical city is Fortaleza Ozama, or Ozama Fortress. This too was built in the 1500’s and was constructed in order to protect the port entrance to Santo Domingo.
Museums in Santo Domingo
If all the walking around historic buildings has prompted you to find out more about the history of Santo Domingo there are several excellent museums here to visit. The National Museum of History and Geography, and the Museum of Natural History and just two, but the Museum of the Casas Reales is very good too, depicting life in 16th century Santo Domingo.
On the Plaza de la Cultura you’ll find the Museum of Modern Art amongst others. This is the largest in the Caribbean and features much local and Caribbean works.