Great vacation in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

by Aschleck review

► added on 31st of July, 2008

The Dominican Republic is located on the Hispaniola Island, which it shares with Haiti. Before its discovery by the Europeans, the Dominican Republic was inhabited by the Taíno Native Americans. Santo Domingo was founded by the brother of Christopher Columbus, Bartholomew in 1496. This also makes it the oldest European city discovered and maintained in the Americas. Santo Domingo also holds the first University as well as a slew of other important buildings for the city.

The official dating of the city actually occurred two years later in 1498. Santo Domingo was built twice since the first time it was destroyed by a hurricane. Santo Domingo was a crucial spot during colonization as it was used as a starting point for other important events in the Americas such as the discovery of Puerto Rico by Ponce de León, the Mexican conquest by Hernando Cortes and the sight discovery of the Pacific Ocean. Therefore, Santo Domingo had to be protected especially since the French invasion of the Hispaniola Island.

The most historic part of Santo Domingo is in the Colonial Zone, which is guarded by the Ozama River where you will be able to see Spanish built fortresses as well as other architectural delights that they established.

Throughout nearly all of its history, Santo Domingo has always encountered turmoil. They were overrun by the French until they were liberated by Juan Pablo Duarte who is the national hero of the country. They were then annexed shortly after to Spain and then once becoming independent they fell into trouble with corrupt and ruthless political leaders; one of the worst being the dictatorship of Trujillo. They also endured years of civil unrest which often broke out into civil wars.

In the last two decades, Santo Domingo has seen and enjoyed peaceful times especially in relation to their neighbor Haiti. However, this does not mean that this city has been problem free. Santo Domingo still sees the everyday poverty that has become a custom in that part of the world. It is also affected by corruption, yet it is spared from the evil likes of Trujillo and his dictatorship.

When visiting Santo Domingo you will be able to go to a variety of museums which documents the greater parts of its history including its native colonial and modern history. Such historical museums include the Museo de las Casas Reales and the Museo y Casa de Duarte, the national hero of the Dominican Republic.