This left over wall was once a  part of the  original city walls the First City of the Americas. The Gate of Mercy gave protection and refuge to the colonists from natural disasters (hurricanes and earthquakes). Located in the park here is a bust statue of Ramon Matias Mella who is one of the Founding Fathers of the country.

Directions: Calle Palo Hincado and Calle Arzobispo Portes

Portal de la Fortaleza/ The Gate of the Fortress

for the information for this gate and the fort it surrounds go to our Fortaleza Ozama sights page.

On the grounds of the Alcázar  is located the Puertas de San Diego also called Puerta de la Mar/The Door of the Sea. This gate is the original gate of the original old city built in 1549 as protection for the city against an attack coming from the river. It recently has been taken away because of  the highway construction  lt will be rebuilt soon.

Directions: Av del Puerto at the entrance of Plaza España.

Named after El Conde de Peñalve/ Count of Peñalva, Bernardo de Meneses y Bracamonte. He was the Captain General of the walled city of  Santo Domingo. He saved the city, along with his men, from the British invaders led by Admiral William Penn and General Robert. Venables. The Count ordered the wall erected , completed in 1655. Fort San Genaro, the original name of this fort, was to defend the city from a sneak attack by land. The wall that this gate is built into ran to the sea and included the Puerta de la Misericordia.

On February 27, 1844 Puerta del Conde became a national symbol. It was here that the heroes of the country overtook the Haitian government and retook the city for their own thus reclaiming their Independence. Because of this the official name was changed to the Puerta de 27 de Febrero even though the Dominican people still call it Puerta el  Conde. This gate symbolizes the ideals of freedom of the Dominican Republic.

Within the guarded gate is the Parque Independencia where is located the Altar de la Patria/Altar of the Nation which is the mausoleum for the founding fathers.

There is a 32 point star in the sidewalk near this gate. It is said that all points in the Country are measured from this point.

Directions: Parque Independencia, Palo Hincado and Calle el Conde

This was one of the first strong holds of the walled city in the 16th century. Construction began in the mid 1500's taking over 2 centuries to complete. This fort was part of a series of bastions built to defend the city of Santo Domingo. This fort, with it's walls, were built at the mouth of the Rio Ozama. It's purpose was to watch the comings and goings at this strategic point of the city. The equipped artillery platform, with it's two look out points and cannons was part of the walls that surrounded the city.

     The walls were built first by president Alonso de Fuenmayor who had some serious money problems and could not complete construction. Finally in the beginning of the 17th century the walls were finally finished.

     Now, from the elevated platform you can have a great view of the statue of Friar Anton de Montecino, the entrance to the river Ozama and the Light House.

Directions: between Avenida George Washington (Paseo Presidente Billini) and Jose Gabriel Garcia and Calle 19 de Marzo,

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This fort is unique in that it has a double incline leading to its heights.The walk ways rising to the fort coming from both sides in the front. They meet at the top of the platform and entry to the fort.This is very unique and is the only stronghold that has this type of incline.

Directions: Juan Isidro Pérez #215 and Mella

Fuerte de San Lazaro

Constructed in the end of the 17th century using a pentagon shape. It is also known as the hopsital of Lepers.(more on the church of the same name ) At the moment in restoration process, he is one of the conserved best forts.

Directions: Juan Isidro Pérez coming in from Santomé and José Reyes

Fuerte de San Miguel

Located in front of the church of San Miguel. All that is left of this fort is a wall that is in bad decay

Directions: Juan Isidro Pérez and José Reyes

Located between the Forts of San Miguel and Ermita de San Antón, there is nothing left of this fort but a few small traces. Its wall, at one time, connected chapel or Ermita de San Antón and Ruins of the San Francisco Monistary. It is hidden behind homes now.

Directions: Duarte and Vicente Celestino Duarte and General Cabral

Fuerte de Angulo

This military station was originally named the Fuertecillo. When the highway was built much of this fort was lost. It was reconstructed in 1991 Next to this is the Ceiba de Colón

The walls can be seen as you enter the Colonial Zone on Avenida del Puerto coming from the Airport across the bridge. It is quite amazing to view as you enter the city. Seeing these tall walls looming as you pass on the road. You can see the buildings sitting atop these walls. There can be no doubt that you have entered the Colonial Zone.

Directions: Avenida del Puerto and Juan Parra Alba

Fuerte de la Carena

This is a small rectangular bunker located to the north of Fuerte de Angulo dating back to 1543 This is part of the fort where boats were brought for repair. It was rebuilt on its original foundation in 1991.

Directions: Avenida del Puerto and General Cabral

Fuerte Invencible

Built in the 17th century it was part of the original house of Mayorazgo de Dávila.

Directions: Avenida del Puerto below Casa de Ovando

Puerta de las Atarazans

This was the door to the Atarazanas reconstructed in the 1970's

Directions: Avenida del Puerto, Calle Colón and Las Atarazanas

Bateria del Almirante/ Battery of the Admiral

This was built as a double sided wall where one could walk the perimiter of the Atarazana palace on the side of the river.

Directions: Avenida del Puerto at the foot of the Alcázar

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