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The
Dominican Republic
Those
of you who travel to the Dominican Republic as
part of one of our tournaments will have the opportunity
to visit several natural and historic landmarks
in and around Santo Domingo, the nation's capital.
We also have a full staff of licensed historical
guides that will provide information to our athletes
during their visit to the different sites. Use
the links below to discover more about Santo Domingo
and its beautiful sites.
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Santo
Domingo
The
City of Santo Domingo de Guzman, the first permanent
settlement in the New World, is a UNESCO World
Heritage Site.
The
old Colonial City is home of the first cathedral,
first hospital, first monastery, first university
and first court of law, all of which survive in
some restored form. But it is not a dead
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city.
In the evening, after the tour groups depart,
shuttered buildings turn into
sidewalk
cafes that breathe a whole new life into the streets
and plazas. Situated beside the Ozama River, the
Colonial City with its cobblestone streets, medieval
fortresses and palaces is a walker's dream
The
old Colonial City is home of the first cathedral,
first hospital, first monastery, first university
and first court of law, all of which survive in
some restored form. But it is not a dead city.
In the evening, after the tour groups depart,
shuttered buildings turn into sidewalk cafes that
breathe a whole new life into the streets and
plazas. Situated beside the Ozama River, the Colonial
City with its cobblestone streets, medieval fortresses
and palaces is a walker's dream
Across
the Ozama, looking like the flames of a departing
rocket ship is the huge Columbus Lighthouse containing
the purported remains of the explorer. The monument
definitely is worth visiting after dark. The Old
City can be enjoyed day or night.
There
are many possible ways to stroll the Old City.
This route is a 6 block-long loop that starts
at the fortress of Diego Columbus, son of Christopher.
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Museo
Alcazar de Colon
Colon
is the Spanish word for Columbus and Diego's fortress
was built during the early 1500s to be the seat
of the viceroy court. Diego and his wife Maria
de Toledo lived here until 1523, when he was recalled
to Spain. Other relatives lived here for decades
afterwards.
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The
building was abandoned in 1770 and turned into
a garbage dump. Cave-ins in 1809 and 1835 left
the building in ruins. Skilled stonecutters first
restored it in 1957, with added refinements made
during several later restorations. Serious attempts
were made to remain faithful to the original construction
and décor.
The fortress is now a museum with furnishings
that were provided by Spain -twice. The first
set of furnishing and decorations were mostly
destroyed by American gunfire and bombing during
the 1965 invasion, requiring their replacement
by the Spanish government.
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Plaza
de Espana
This
large, open air plaza in front of the Alcazar
de Colon fronts numerous small restaurants and
outdoor cafes that are quite popular in late afternoon.
The
street bordering the plaza is closed to traffic.
In the past it was the Plaza de Armas, where soldiers
paraded. Before that it was the conuco (cultivated
fields) of the native Tainos.
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Los
Tres Ojos
Predating
Santo Domingo by thousands of years, Los Tres
Ojos are three open-air limestone sinkholes obscurely
shrouded in forest across from eastern border
of Parque Mirador del Este.
A
very steep staircase plunges into an unforgettable
Land of the Lost, a strenuous workout far from
over with the multiple
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levels
of vantage points for exploring the first cave.
A verdant forest has thrived in the terrarium-like
environment dank with tropical humidity. Off the
central plateau, paths descend toward different
side pools shimmering with crystal-clear fresh
waters.
The
staircase on the southern border leads towards
a mammoth entry to the second eye, which has the
best cave qualities with stalactites jutting overhead.
At far edge of the pool is the launching point
for viewing the final eye that shouldn't be missed,
regardless of potential wait.
For RD10, a small raft on a rope pulley shuttles
guests across the cave. Not until reaching the
other side could I fully appreciate immenseness
of the second cave, the craggy opening naturally
framing the first eye beyond. A short trail leads
to a viewing deck of the third eye, which contains
salt water.
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National
Pantheon
This Jesuit church, dating back to the 18th century,
was designated the National Pantheon in 1956;
and three years later it was remodeled and adapted
to serve this purpose. Since then, the remains
of famous Dominicans have been brought here. The
church's construction is composed of three distinct
naves. The central nave is the widest and is covered
by a vaulted ceiling covered with a mural. The
side naves are built like small chapels, each
with a beautiful domed roof. Hanging from the
central vault is a lamp which was given to the
church by the Spanish head of state, Francisco
Franco.
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Ozama
Fortress
Guarding the entrance
to Santo Domingo and overlooking the Ozama River,
the Ozama Fortress is the earliest military building
in the new colonies. It has been used both as
a fortress and later as a prison until the 20th
century.
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Columbus
Lighthouse
The
Columbus Lighthouse (Faro
a Colón) is a 200-meter long cross-shaped
concrete monument dedicated to Christopher Columbus.
A museum, cultural center, and contains the remains
(controversial) of Christopher Columbus.
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El
Mercado Modelo
Situated at an important
commercial hub, this market shows off the more
popular aspects of the culture. Well-known for
its color and for the charismatic salesmanship
of its vendors, the market offers a wide variety
of goods including flowers and home-decorating
items. While not exactly fancy, these products
are considered to be truly Dominican. You will
also find articles to help you remember your stay
in this small corner of paradise: all kinds of
lotions and perfumes, amulets, prayers, stamps,
and pictures of saints promising love, good luck
and money. Prices are excellent.
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Altos
de Chavon
In
Altos de Chavon art is everywhere, and everyone
here breathes art. The artistic community here,
dedicated to cultural exchange, has created an
impressive architectural monument to the creative
spirit. Located on the edge of a canyon that dramatically
opens out onto the Chavon River, the Altos de
Chavon Amphitheatre stands as one of the world's
most impressive open-air theatres.
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The
Cathedral
This cathedral, the
first in the New World, is the most important
monument in Santo Domingo. It was constructed
from 1514 to 1546. Its complete translated name
is the Holy Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of
our Lady Holy Mary of the Incarnation. Its mostly
late-Gothic architecture also includes Romanesque
characteristics. The main façade was built
out of coral rock. The chapels were built later
than the main temple, and until 1992 one chapel
housed the remains of Christopher Columbus, which
are now in the Columbus Lighthouse. Please note
that you must be appropriately dressed to enter
the cathedral.
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