Colonial Zone Santo Domingo Dominican Republic Sight Seeing and History page 4

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La Casa del Sacramento / The House of Sacrament

Built in the 14th century by Diego Caballero, Secretary of the Real Audience, it has been home to many including Alonzo de Fuenmayor, the first Archbishop of the Cathedral of Santo Domingo, the Garay family were the legend came from. It was also the living quarters of general Bernard Phillipe Alejo Carré during the Haitian occupation of the island. It became an annex of the University of Santo Domingo in 1905 and also housed the Servicio Militar Obligatori / Obligatory Military Service during Trujillos reign

There is a legend surrounding the house - It is said that the house was given to the Arzobispado de Santo Domingo by the wife of Don Luis Garay for the salvation of one of her children. It seems that the families pet orangutan was playing with one of her sons and took him to the roof of the house. Here it seemed that the monkey was going to throw the boy from the roof. The mother watching and unable to think of a way to save her child, offered her home to the Arch Bishop in exchange for the life of the son. The son was returned to his bed without incident. This is how the house got its name.

The Satisimo Sacrament occupied the house until the Haitian occupation in 1822. The house boasts a beautiful patio inside its walls surrounded by large pillars rising to both floors. It was origianally two houses but in 1931 in was melded into one and topped with the towers that now sit atop this building.

Today the Casa del Sacramento is home to the offices of the Archbishop of the Dominican Republic.

Directons: Isabel la Catolica behind the Cathedral

Residencia de Ovando/ Governor Nicolás Ovando's Residence This house was built about 1502 Ovando was the original designer of the city after the devastation of the hurricane. This building is beautifully restored, the stone cuttings here are exquisite. Inside the house is an outer patio which faces the Ozama River.

The doorway to his residence is currently the main entrance to a small hotel named after him on Calle Las Damas #15

History of Nicolás de Ovando (in Spanish)

Palacio Consistorial The Palacio Consistoral is distinguished by it's tower. This building was constructed in the early 1500's. It is located at the Plaza de Armas. It was the original location of the old town hall. It had been remodeled many times during which was hidden much of the original facade. But the remodeling done in the early 1900's brought back much of the buildings original eloquence. The central plaza is exquisite. It has a beautiful fountain with surrounding terraces. Now it is mainly used for cultural events and art exhibits. If you lose your way in the Colonial Area just look to the sky for this tower. It can be seen from most of the surrounding area. It is a way to always find where you are. Just locate the tower and head toward it.

Directions: Calle El Conde and Arzobispo Meriño near to the Parque Colon

Palacio de Borgellá The Palace of Borgellá is a beautiful 2 story building noted for its large colonial style arches and old caribbean flair. This building with its affluent style was built at the beginning of the 16th century by Haitian G, M, Borgellá. In the 1940's it was the government seat where men were to have hung out discussing the events of the times. It was also used as the location of the Haitian Government when they took over the country.

This building that now houses the seat of the Patronage (who also takes care of the maintenance of the Colonial Zone), the Post Office and the tourism offices, was badly damaged during hurricane George in September 1998. It lost the front porch, which collapsed, and much of its facade, which is now restored.

Directions: Calle Isabel La Catolicá in front of Parque Colon.

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Casa de las Academias/ House of the Academies or Casa de Luis

Sede de las Academias de Historia, de la Lengua y de la Medicina/Seat of the Academies of History, the Language and the Medicine

This house was constructed in 2 different centuries thus the different styles. It was occupied by President Ulises Hereaux (Lilis).Later remodeled by Manuel Maria Gautier to add the balcony and the iron railings in the French tradition. It has also been the home of Receptoria de Aduana/ customs receiving, Banco Central/Central bank, Logia Masónic/ a masonic lodge among others

Directions: Mercedes #204

Casa de Juan Viloria

It seems that this man was the only person permitted to serve the people of royalty. The patio of this house is surrounded by stone arcs. The Arab porch and the gallery are very unique.

Directions: Mercedes #4

Alcantarilla Colonial/ Colonial Culverts

This culvert is one of the firsts of the Americas, among the many firsts found here in the Colonial Zone.

Buried beneath the city is a very important historical sight. The first hydraulic sewage system from the Colonial period. Construction began in 1502 and was named la Alcantarilla de Ovando/The Ovando Culvert. This was the works for the entire southern part of the city. The second part of this system happened in combination with the construction of the Atarazanas in 1509 and was named la Alcantarilla de Atarazanas. The second culvert was a bit more advanced in its construction as it was made to move more sewage, mainly animal debris, and did not drop it into the river. The construction is of brick and stone work. There is a series of archways that, as the construction progressed one can see the changes in the construction techniques. They became more sophisticated.

Altar de la Patria/Altar of the Nation also known as Tumba de los Padres de la Patria/Tomb of the Patriarchs of the Country or more simply the National Mausoleum

Here is where the bodies of the Founding Fathers, Juan Pablo Duarte, Francisco del Rosario Sanchez, and Ramon Matias Mella, are interred. Located within the walls at Parque Independencia with the National Guard standing at attention on guard.

Built in 1976 made of white marble it is a fitting memorial for these the heroes of the country. Inside is the Eternal Flame and there are usually some flower wreaths set around the statues.

Open: 8:30 to 6 daily

Directions: Parque Independencia, Palo Hincado and Calle el Conde

Ceiba de Colon (Ceiba is a species of tree)

Near the Ozama River it is said that this is where Columbus moored his ship the Santa María when he first arrived in the Americas. This tree trunk, which seems to be mostly cement now, has been protected throughout history. The people tried to keep the tree up and alive as long as they could. But as time passed the tree just got old, the trunk splitting and becoming hollow and finally falling. What is here now is what is left of that tree. There is no real proof to back up the claims that are made about this tree. There is another Ceiba tree growing there now said to be there to protect the original tree. It is akin to a daughter, with its arms outstretched, covering and protecting the elderly mother in all troubles. This tree has much legends and lore buried within its roots. It is a common tree in warm, tropical regions. The tree can grow to be very tall and its branches form a hugh canopy. In Mayan mythology the Ceiba, or tree of life, is said to hold up the sky. It is the national tree of Guatemala

Directions: near Puerta de las Atarazanas and Avenida del Puerto