Plaza and Playa Güibia is the only beach available for swimming (if you dare) in the city of Santo Domingo. Guibia is a nice place to bring the family for a little fun, exercise or just for some relaxation.
Playa Guibia and the exercise area, on the Caribbean Sea and the Malecon of Santo Domingo
Guibia used to be the place to be during the Trujillo era. There was a casino located next to the beach and it brought in all the rich and famous for some beach time and some fun. Later, for many years, this small beach and plaza were abandoned and forgotten. It was only used by surfers, daring local children looking to cool off and a dog or two.
Playa Guibia on the Caribbean Sea and the Malecon of Santo Domingo
President Leonel Fernández inaugurated the “New Guibia”, an area measuring 13,479 square meters, on November 20, 2011. The plaza includes sand volleyball courts, a free gym area, bike path, kiosks that sell foods and beverages, kids play area, Wi-Fi internet connection and stage for concerts and other activities. There is even a gazebo extending out on the Caribbean with a boardwalk leading to it. There is lots of security around to keep it safe for all who visit. They are now working on cleaning up the water so it is safe to swim here again.
Playa Guibia exercise and volleyball area.
*Note that on the weekends and holidays the plaza is usually very crowded and the beach area is full to overflowing. Dogs are permitted when there are no special events happening.
Location
The Malecon, Avenida George Washington, Gazcue, Santo Domingo, República Dominicana.
The capital city of Santo Domingo has so many parks, plazas and green areas to sit and relax all over this sprawling city. The many great parks and plazas are places where the Dominican people like to spend their time. Relaxing, enjoying, being with friends and family or just sitting in the sun or under a nice shade tree watching the world pass by.
Video – Los Parques del Ayuntamiento del Distrito Nacional (ADN) – Santo Domingo Invita – A video of the parks in the Santo Domingo run by the National District City Council – Santo Domingo Invites You!
You will always see people sitting in a park. Maybe taking a mid day snooze, having a drink with friends or just enjoying the breeze. Everyone in this Caribbean country likes being out of doors.
The beautiful Parque Mirador del Este, Santo Domingo Este.
The parks throughout the Dominican Republic are the places where people meet and greet. Some of the parks or plazas are small and intimate and others are vast spaces where many of our cultural activities are held. Many of these parks have many different activities including concerts, art exhibits and other events and happenings.
Plaza Bartolomé de las Casas is a beautiful gated park in the center of the Colonial Zone. The plaza is surrounded by trees and flowers, and the statue of Las Casas is in the center of it all. This well-maintained plaza is a wonderful place to sit and relax.
Plaza Bartolomé de las Casas located in the Colonial Zone.
This Plaza is named after Friar / Frey Bartolomé de las Casas. He was known as the Royal Protector of the Indians. Las Casas was a very respected person in colonial times. His home, built in the mid 1600s, was located where the plaza is now.
Plaza Bartolomé de las Casas in the Zona Colonial is surrounded by a gated fence.
Surrounded by a wall and fence, this nice little plaza has many well cared for plants and trees. There is even a mango tree where, if you are lucky, you can pick a nice fresh mango in season.
Plaza Bartolome de las Casas Feria Artesanal
There are many concerts and special events held in the plaza. It was once the home to the Feria Artesanal where artists would set up their booths and sell their craft and handmade items.
Plaza Bartolomé de las Casas is a beautiful small plaza.
The Statue of Las Casas
The grand modern statue of Fray Bartolomé Las Casas in the center of the park was created by Juan de Vaquero.
The statue of Bartolomé de las Casas located in the Plaza.
The Shield of Santo Domingo / Escudo de la Ciudad de Santo Domingo
The Coat of Arms of the City of Santo Domingo / Escudo de Armas de la Ciudad de Santo Domingo in Plaza Bartolomé Las Casa
Hidden inside the walls of the Plaza Bartolomé Las Casa is The Coat of Arms of the City of Santo Domingo / Escudo de Armas de la Ciudad de Santo Domingo. This small shield is an important symbol of pride for the city. You can see it on the outside wall along Calle Padre Billini near the gate that faces Parque Duarte. Hidden behind some tree branches.
