Colonial Zone, the oldest city in all the Americas. Live the history.

Colonial Zone

, Ciudad Colonial, Zona Colonial and once known as Ciudad Trujillo, is the oldest inhabited city in all of The Americas on the island of Hispaniola in the country of Dominican Republic / República Dominicana. It is a small town located in the capital city of Santo Domingo de Guzmán.

What now is the Colonial City was the original city of Santo Domingo before it grew into the large sprawling metropolis it is today. Río Ozama and the Caribbean Sea border the walled city. There are many historical sites that were built during the time of exploration, exploitation, and colonization of the “New World.” We have some of the oldest historical sites in the Dominican Republic.

Much of the original city can still be seen today. The cathedral, monastery, university and hospital are among many of the “firsts” located in the Zone. One can see the old world Spanish architectural and styles of the period in the 16th-century buildings, homes and churches. Many are still in excellent condition and are a wonder to behold.

Colonial Zone (and the surrounding sectors including San Miguel, San Lázaro, Santa Barbara, and Ciudad Nueva) is a wonderful mix of the past and present. The old and new intertwine to make a unique travelers experience. Live the history. Walk our streets. Visit our Museums and Historical sights. Dine in our restaurants. Meet our people. Dance to our music. You will make lasting memories. Something you may remember for a lifetime.

If you are lucky maybe you just might come across one of the mythical jars filled with gold or treasure hidden in the walls of the houses of this Colonial settlement. Could this old legend be true? Many people living in the old city still believe.

The Colonial Zone was declared a World Cultural Patrimony by UNESCO, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) in 1994.

A little more about our history in a nut shell.