Diego Caballero (1511-1554), also spelled Cavallero, was the writer and Secretary of the Real Audience from 1511 to 1554. Caballero also owned one of the largest sugar mills of the time.
Casa Diego Caballero
Casa Caballero was probably built in the mid-sixteenth century. Diego built many of the important houses of the era. Many of these historic buildings are still standing today. One of the most important buildings built by Caballero is the Casa del Santísimo Sacramento/ House of the Blessed Sacrament. It is located on the street as his home.
The sign on Casa Diego Caballero
Location: Calle Pellerano Alfau (originally called Calle de los Nichos). Between Calle Las Damas and Isabel la Católica. The small street is not for thru traffic. The street leads to the front door of the Fortaleza Ozama.
Calle el Conde is the oldest commercial street in the city of Santo Domingo de Guzmán. It runs directly through the center of Colonial Zone from Puerta Independencia (Puerta del Conde) to the Escaleras del Conde that end at the Malecon at Rio Ozama.
At the beginning (or the end) of Calle el Conde is Puerta del Conde at the entrance to Parque Independencia at night.
This pedestrian only street is named after the Count of Peñalva, Bernardo de Meneses y Bracamonte, the captain general of Santo Domingo. Some of the manes this historical street has been called include Calle de la Separación, Clavijo, Imperial, 27 de Febrero and Real.
Calle el Conde at Hostos 1940’s
El Conde runs through the center of the colonial city. It is very easy to navigate your way around the city from this street, finding your way around the Zone quite easily.
The beautiful Escaleras Calle el Conde / Stairs of the Conde at the end of Calle el Conde
This is a very busy thoroughfare and was closed to traffic many years ago. It is 11 block cobblestone street is lined with stores, restaurants, hotels, homes and a variety of businesses, some open and others closed. There are all types of humans to see and some friendly street dogs also.
Buenagente, the famous dog, is taking a stroll down Calle el Conde.
There are people everywhere. Some selling their wares in the street and inside the many shops. Others are shopping or just taking a stroll.
Calle el Conde a very busy street.
It is one of the most popular shopping areas for Dominicans and tourists alike. Sit on one of the benches or open air cafes along Conde Street and watch the people passing by. You may even see a street performer or some impromptu activity from some passerby that you will remember forever.
A chess tournament on Calle el Conde
Location:
Calle el Conde runs from the Puerta del Conde (Parque Independencia) at its farthest west point continuing on to Calle las Damas, the Escaleras del Conde and on to the Malecon at its eastern end.
Casa de Bastidas & The Trampolín Children’s Museum
This beautiful colonial house, constructed in 1505, was originally the residence of Captain Rodrigo de Bastidas. Captain Rodrigo was the Almojarife Mayor, Principal Royal Tax Collector, and governor of Santo Domingo. It is now home to the Children’s Museum Trampolín.
Rodrigo de Bastidas, the owner of the home was Honorary Mayor in 1512. This home was constructed specifically for him. After his death in 1527 his family and their descendants continued to occupy the home. The home is not constructed in the normal style of the time. It more resembled a warehouse, not an estate where people were to live. It was built this way to perform two functions. First to be used as a residence. Second, it was used as a storehouse and safe to keep the Crown revenues and treasures until they could be sent to Spain.
Casa de Bastidas as seen from inside the Fortaleza Ozama.
There is a plaque on the wall and a stone statue of Santa Bárbara above the door dating from the 18th century.
Casa de Bastidas with Santa Barbara above the door
Entering the arched front doors is a vestibule that opens to a spectacular interior patio. The tree-lined patio is adorned with Roman arches and it an oasis. Many concerts and celebrations are held in this huge patio.
Trampolín, Museo Infantil / Trampoline, Children’s Museum
– Descubrir es Divertido / Discovery is Fun.
Trampoline is a children’s museum that is located inside the Casa de Bastidas. They hold many events in the interior patio.
Entrance to the Trampolín Children’s Museum
The museums desire in to spark the children’s interest in history and knowledge while making learning fun and interesting. It is an interactive place for children to learn about their Universe, Planet Earth, Energy, People and Society, Ecology and Ecosystems and their surroundings.
There are rooms for children’s workshops, a cinema theater, an outdoor theater, a cafeteria and library services. http://www.trampolin.org.do
Hours:
Tuesday to Friday 9AM to 5PM, Saturday and Sunday 10AM to 6PM. Entrance: RD$50 Children / RD$100 Adults (6/2015)
Walk east down Calle el Conde where it ends at Calle las Damas. Turn right. Casa de Bastidas is on the left about 2 buildings down. Calle Las Damas, Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo
Casa de Bastidas, Calle las Damas, next to Fortaleza Ozama.
All You Want To Know About The Oldest City In The Americas
