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Colonial Sundial

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Historical site
—°3
Colonial Sundial (Dominican Republic)

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The Colonial Sundial of Santo Domingo, erected in 1753, is one of the most intriguing scientific and historical monuments in the Caribbean. Built during the administration of Governor Francisco de Rubio y Peñaranda, it is situated at the northern end of Calle Las Damas. The sundial's placement was strategic, positioned directly in front of the Palace of the Royal Audience (now the Museum of the Royal Houses) so that high-ranking officials could read the time from their office windows. The monument consists of a massive stone pedestal with two distinct faces: one designed to track the morning sun on the eastern side and another for the afternoon sun on the western side. This dual-dial design ensured accurate timekeeping throughout the day, accounting for the sun's trajectory in the tropical latitudes. For decades, it functioned as the city's official chronometer, essential for coordinating government affairs and religious services. Today, it stands as a testament to 18th-century engineering and is a key highlight of the Colonial Zone's architectural heritage.

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 colonial sundial stands outdoors in front of the Museum of the Royal Houses and is visible from outside at all times. Museum entry requires a ticket, but the sundial can be viewed freely.
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Typical hours
As an outdoor exhibit, the sundial is accessible 24/7. The best time to view it is during sunny weather when the shadow is clearly visible.
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Photography
Photography of the sundial is allowed at any time. Make sure the sun is behind you for a good capture of the shadow.
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Time needed
Allow about 10-15 minutes for viewing the sundial including photos. Combine with the adjacent museum for a half-day visit.
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Combine with
Ideally combine the visit with the Museum of the Royal Houses directly behind it. The nearby colonial square gives further historical sights.
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Getting there
The sundial is located in the historic center and is easily accessible on foot. Public transport stops within a few minutes' walk; parking is scarce.
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Insider tip
Visit the sundial in the late morning when the sun is high and the shadow is longest. This makes it easiest to read the clock's function.

Geography

Coordinates
18.47400, -69.88300

Facts

  • Erected in 1753 during the governorship of Francisco de Rubio
  • Features two dials for morning and afternoon time tracking
  • Positioned directly in front of the Museum of the Royal Houses
  • Functioned as the official timekeeper for the colonial city
  • Located at the northern terminus of Calle Las Damas
  • Constructed from solid coralline limestone

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National CongressNational Congress4 km · SExplore →
Santo Domingo EsteSanto Domingo Este5 km · NExplore →
Santo DomingoSanto Domingo5 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Colonial Sundial (3)

National Pantheon of the Dominican Republic📍 landmark

Former Jesuit church in Santo Domingo, now a national memorial for notable figures.

Parque Colón📍 landmark

Square in central Santo Domingo, featuring a statue of Christopher Columbus.

Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Santo Domingo📍 landmark

Catholic archdiocese in Santo Domingo, overseeing the region's church affairs.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When was the sundial built?
The sundial was erected in 1753 during the term of Governor Francisco de Rubio y Peñaranda.
Does the sundial still work?
Yes, in sunny weather, it accurately displays the time on two different faces.
Why are there two dials?
One face is used for the morning hours, while the other is for the afternoon hours.
Where exactly is the monument located?
It is located at the end of Calle Las Damas, right in front of the Museum of the Royal Houses.
Does it cost anything to see the sundial?
No, as it is located in a public space, it can be viewed for free at any time.
Colonial Sundial: where is it located?
Colonial Sundial is located in Dominican Republic.
Colonial Sundial: what is there to see?
Highlights include National Pantheon of the Dominican Republic, Parque Colón, Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Santo Domingo.
Colonial Sundial: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Colonial Sundial: why is it worth visiting?
The Colonial Sundial of Santo Domingo, erected in 1753, is one of the most intriguing scientific and historical monuments in the Caribbean.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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More places

Museum of the Royal Houses — Colonial Sundial (Dominican Republic)
Museum of the Royal Houses
A 16th-century palace that documents the history of the colonial period.
National Pantheon — Colonial Sundial (Dominican Republic)
National Pantheon
A former Jesuit church converted into a mausoleum for the nation's heroes.
Casa del Cordón — Colonial Sundial (Dominican Republic)
Casa del Cordón
Considered the oldest surviving European-style stone house in the Americas.
House of the Mint — Colonial Sundial (Dominican Republic)
House of the Mint
The building where the first coins of the Americas were minted.
Chapel of the Remedies — Colonial Sundial (Dominican Republic)
Chapel of the Remedies
One of the oldest chapels in the Colonial Zone, originally serving as a private family chapel.
Cathedral of Santo Domingo — Colonial Sundial (Dominican Republic)
Cathedral of Santo Domingo
The first cathedral built in the Americas, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
Ruins of the Hospital San Nicolás de Bari — Colonial Sundial (Dominican Republic)
Ruins of the Hospital San Nicolás de Bari
The ruins of the first hospital built in the Americas.
Church of Santa Bárbara — Colonial Sundial (Dominican Republic)
Church of Santa Bárbara
A historic church in the Colonial Zone where Juan Pablo Duarte was baptized.