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Cathedral of Santo Domingo

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Historical site
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Cathedral of Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic)

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The Cathedral of Santo Domingo, officially the 'Basilica Menor de la Virgen de la Anunciación,' is the oldest cathedral in the Americas. Construction began in 1512 under the leadership of Bishop Diego de Deza and was completed in 1541. The structure combines various architectural styles, including Late Gothic in the interior and an impressive Plateresque facade on the exterior. For centuries, the cathedral was the religious center of Spanish expansion in the New World and housed the mortal remains of Christopher Columbus until the end of the 19th century. Its thick walls have withstood numerous sieges and earthquakes, making it a symbol of endurance. The interior impresses with its spacious side aisles, ornate chapels, and a valuable high altar. As part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Santo Domingo's Old Town, it is a must-see for every visitor and a significant monument of Christian history on the American continent.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C252525262727282828272625
Rain mm242122406848556860646842

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Cathedral of Santo Domingo, the first in the Americas, is usually open for visitors. The Gothic interior and chapels are accessible, entry is typically free.
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Typical hours
Opening hours are typically from 9am to 5pm, with a lunch break and interruptions for services. Sundays and holidays may vary.
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Photography
Photography inside is usually allowed without flash, the Gothic vaults and high altar are outstanding. The exterior façade provides great subjects.
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Time needed
A visit typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour to explore the history and architecture. Adjacent museums may require extra time.
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Combine with
Combine the cathedral with Parque Colón and the Alcázar de Colón. The Museo de las Casas Reales is also nearby.
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Getting there
The cathedral is in the Zona Colonial of Santo Domingo, at Parque Colón. It is easily reachable on foot from most hotels in the old city.
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Insider tip
Visit the cathedral early in the morning to avoid heat and tourist crowds. Entry to the crypt is often a separate fee.

Geography

Coordinates
18.47250, -69.88410

Facts

  • Pope Paul III elevated the cathedral to the first Metropolitan Cathedral of the Americas in 1546.
  • Sir Francis Drake used the cathedral as his headquarters during his 1586 invasion.
  • The building has three portals, with the main portal facing west.
  • Inside, there are 14 chapels dedicated to various saints.
  • The roof consists of complex Gothic ribbed vaults.
  • The cathedral was built without towers to ensure greater stability during earthquakes.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Ruins of the Hospital San Nicolás de BariRuins of the Hospital San Nicolás de Bari<1 km · SExplore →
Dominican Handicrafts CenterDominican Handicrafts Center2 km · SExplore →
Columbus LighthouseColumbus Lighthouse2 km · NExplore →
Eduardo Brito National TheaterEduardo Brito National Theater3 km · SExplore →
National Aquarium Santo DomingoNational Aquarium Santo Domingo4 km · NExplore →
Santo Domingo EsteSanto Domingo Este5 km · NExplore →
Santo DomingoSanto Domingo5 km · SExplore →
Santo Domingo NorteSanto Domingo Norte7 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Cathedral of Santo Domingo (3)

Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Santo Domingo📍 landmark

Archdiocese of the Catholic Church, seat of the Archbishop of Santo Domingo.

Parque Colón📍 landmark

Central square in Santo Domingo with a statue of Christopher Columbus, surrounded by historic buildings.

Battle of Santo Domingo (1586)📍 landmark

Military engagement between English privateers and Spanish defenders of the city.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Why is this cathedral so famous?
It is the oldest cathedral in the New World, with construction beginning in 1512.
Is there a dress code for visitors?
Yes, shoulders and knees must be covered. Hats must be removed inside.
What are the visiting hours?
Usually Monday to Saturday from 09:00 AM to 04:00 PM, except during masses.
Is photography allowed?
Photography without flash is allowed, but it should be avoided during services.
Where exactly in Santo Domingo is it located?
It is located right next to Parque Colón in the heart of the Zona Colonial.
Cathedral of Santo Domingo: where is it located?
Cathedral of Santo Domingo is located in Dominican Republic.
Cathedral of Santo Domingo: what is there to see?
Highlights include Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Santo Domingo, Parque Colón, Battle of Santo Domingo (1586).
Cathedral of Santo Domingo: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Cathedral of Santo Domingo: why is it worth visiting?
The Cathedral of Santo Domingo, officially the 'Basilica Menor de la Virgen de la Anunciación,' is the oldest cathedral in the Americas.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
North America
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Nearby cities

Dajabón — Cathedral of Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic)
Dajabón
A border city with Haiti, with an important binational market.
Loma de Cabrera — Cathedral of Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic)
Loma de Cabrera
A town in Dajabón province, near the Haitian border.
Restauración — Cathedral of Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic)
Restauración
A municipality in the Dajabón province, in the mountains.

More places

House of the Mint — Cathedral of Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic)
House of the Mint
The building where the first coins of the Americas were minted.
Ruins of the Hospital San Nicolás de Bari — Cathedral of Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic)
Ruins of the Hospital San Nicolás de Bari
The ruins of the first hospital built in the Americas.
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Tostado House
A 16th-century house with the only Gothic twin window in the Americas, now a museum.
National Pantheon — Cathedral of Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic)
National Pantheon
A former Jesuit church converted into a mausoleum for the nation's heroes.
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Colonial Sundial
An 18th-century sundial in front of the Museum of the Royal Houses.
Museum of the Royal Houses — Cathedral of Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic)
Museum of the Royal Houses
A 16th-century palace that documents the history of the colonial period.
Ruins of the San Francisco Monastery — Cathedral of Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic)
Ruins of the San Francisco Monastery
The ruins of the first monastery built in the Americas, located in the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo.
Casa del Cordón — Cathedral of Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic)
Casa del Cordón
Considered the oldest surviving European-style stone house in the Americas.