The asches of Columbus
Pieter Verlinden
Santo Domingo has many sights in the category "oldest in the new world". This is the place to look for the oldest street, the oldest cathedral and the oldest chapel in the new world. Add to that a large number of buildings that may not be the oldest in their kind but that still are pretty old and you can see that a visit to the capital of the Dominican Republic is a must for every traveler. So get your bum away from the beach and get ready for a history tour.
Start in the Calle de las Damas yes indeed the oldest street. Strolling down this street you'll pass the Cathderal of Santa Maria de Menor and the Capilla de los Remedios as well as the National Pantheon.
The Parque Independencia is a good place to have a rest and observe the locals enjoying themselves.
The Plaza de la Cultura is an impressive square and it houses the three most important museums of the city as well as the National Theatre.
On the other side of the Ozama River you find the Acario Nacional, the largest in the Caribbean. Nearby on the Avenida de Esapana is the Columbus Lighthouse, which honors the discoverer of the Americas.