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Montesinos Monument

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Landmark
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Montesinos Monument (Dominican Republic)

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The Monument to Fray Antonio de Montesinos is an imposing landmark on the Malecón of Santo Domingo, commemorating a pivotal moment in human history. The 15-meter-high statue was inaugurated in 1982 as a gift from the Mexican government to the Dominican people. It honors the Dominican friar Antonio de Montesinos, who in 1511 delivered his famous Advent sermon, publicly denouncing the mistreatment of the indigenous Taíno people by Spanish colonizers for the first time. This event is widely regarded as the birth of the struggle for human rights in the New World. Designed by Mexican artist Antonio Tejeda Fonseca, the monument stands out due to its monumental scale and symbolic position facing the Caribbean Sea. Visitors can explore the interior of the structure and access the observation deck for a wide view of the coastline and the Colonial City, while reflecting on the profound ethical legacy of Montesinos' words.

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 Montesinos Monument is a colossal statue in the public space of the Dominican Republic. It can be visited at any time with no entry fee.
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Typical hours
As the statue is outdoors, there are no fixed opening hours. It is accessible around the clock, but ideally visited during the cooler morning or evening hours.
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Photography
Photography is allowed without restrictions. The monumental size of the statue is best captured when photographed from below.
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Time needed
A visit to the statue takes about 10 minutes. Allow extra time to explore the surroundings and the square where it stands.
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Combine with
The statue is located near Santo Domingo or another city. Ask locally about other historic sites such as the cathedral or the Alcázar.
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Getting there
The statue is easily reachable by car or taxi. Parking is typically available on nearby streets or in public lots.
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Insider tip
Visit the statue early in the morning to avoid the heat and get the best light for photos. Read up on Fray Antonio de Montesinos beforehand to understand the historical context.

Geography

Coordinates
18.46810, -69.88220

Facts

  • Inaugurated on October 12, 1982, as a gift from Mexico
  • The statue reaches a total height of 15 meters
  • Designed by the Mexican sculptor Antonio Tejeda Fonseca
  • Commemorates the brave Advent sermon of December 1511
  • Located at the entrance of the port of Santo Domingo
  • First monument dedicated to human rights in the Americas

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Ozama RiverOzama River<1 km · SWExplore →
Francisco del Rosario Sánchez BridgeFrancisco del Rosario Sánchez Bridge1 km · NEExplore →
Trampoline Children's MuseumTrampoline Children's Museum2 km · SExplore →
PekepolisPekepolis3 km · SExplore →
National Aquarium Santo DomingoNational Aquarium Santo Domingo3 km · NExplore →
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 Montesinos Monument (3)

Port of Santo Domingo📍 landmark

The port of Santo Domingo sits on the Caribbean coast, handling cargo and passenger traffic.

Ozama River📍 landmark

The Ozama River flows through Santo Domingo into the Caribbean Sea, separating the old town from newer districts.

Cathedral of Santo Domingo📍 landmark

The Cathedral of Santo Domingo stands in the historic center, a major colonial-era building.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Who was Antonio de Montesinos?
A Dominican friar who denounced the mistreatment of indigenous people in 1511.
Where is the monument located?
It stands on the Malecón in Santo Domingo, right by the sea.
Can you go up the monument?
Yes, there are observation platforms offering great views of the sea and the city.
What are the visiting hours?
Usually from Tuesday to Sunday, roughly from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Is entry free?
There may be a small fee for access to the upper levels.
Montesinos Monument: where is it located?
Montesinos Monument is located in Dominican Republic.
Montesinos Monument: what is there to see?
Highlights include Port of Santo Domingo, Ozama River, Cathedral of Santo Domingo.
Montesinos Monument: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Montesinos Monument: why is it worth visiting?
The Monument to Fray Antonio de Montesinos is an imposing landmark on the Malecón of Santo Domingo, commemorating a pivotal moment in human history.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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History & landmarks

🗺️
San José Fort
A historic military bastion located along the colonial defensive wall.
Santa Clara Monastery — Montesinos Monument (Dominican Republic)
Santa Clara Monastery
The ruins and restored areas of one of the earliest nunneries in the Americas.
Church of Regina Angelorum — Montesinos Monument (Dominican Republic)
Church of Regina Angelorum
A beautiful example of colonial religious architecture in the historic center.
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Church of El Carmen
A small, culturally significant colonial church in Santo Domingo.
San Gil Fort — Montesinos Monument (Dominican Republic)
San Gil Fort
A reconstructed coastal defense structure at the beginning of the Malecón.
Santa Bárbara Fort — Montesinos Monument (Dominican Republic)
Santa Bárbara Fort
A colonial-era fort that guarded the northern access to the old city.
Church of Las Mercedes — Montesinos Monument (Dominican Republic)
Church of Las Mercedes
A prominent historic church dedicated to the patron saint of the Dominican Republic.
Obelisco Macho — Montesinos Monument (Dominican Republic)
Obelisco Macho
A 40-meter-high obelisk located on the Malecón of Santo Domingo.