Zona Colonial

The Zona Colonial, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1990, stands as the historic heart of Santo Domingo and is recognized as the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas. This extraordinary district encompasses roughly 106 hectares of historic buildings, with approximately 32 historic streets preserving over 500 years of history within its ancient walls and original cobblestone streets.

Originally established in 1498 by Bartholomew Columbus, brother of Christopher Columbus, the Zona Colonial boasts numerous "firsts" in the Americas: the first cathedral (Catedral Primada de América, 1514-1540), the first hospital (Hospital San Nicolás de Bari, 1503), the first monastery (Convento de los Dominicos, 1510), and the first university (Universidad Santo Tomás de Aquino, 1538). The district's military, civil, and religious buildings exemplify the Spanish Colonial style of architecture, featuring characteristic Gothic, Renaissance, and Spanish-influenced elements.

Today, the Zona Colonial thrives as a dynamic fusion of historical preservation and contemporary culture. Its carefully restored colonial-era buildings now house an eclectic mix of art galleries, boutique hotels, traditional restaurants, craft shops, and museums. The neighborhood maintains its authentic character through preserved colonial-era houses, many with their original elements including coral stone walls, red clay tile roofs, and interior courtyards. Local residents, international tourists, and history enthusiasts alike are drawn to its narrow streets, historic plazas, and the lively atmosphere that seamlessly blends Dominican culture with its colonial past.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: