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Santa Clara Monastery

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Landmark
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Santa Clara Monastery (Dominican Republic)

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The Santa Clara Monastery, located in the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo, was the first female convent established in the New World. Its history traces back to the mid-16th century, with construction beginning around 1550. The monastery was built for the Order of Saint Clare and served for centuries as a vital center of spiritual and social life in the Spanish colony. The architecture blends Gothic and Renaissance elements with massive stone walls typical of the defensive construction styles of the era. Particularly noteworthy are the inner courtyard and the chapel, which have survived numerous earthquakes and pirate raids, such as the infamous attack by Francis Drake in 1586. Today, parts of the monastery remain as ruins, while other sections continue to be used for religious purposes. It is an integral part of Santo Domingo's UNESCO World Heritage site, providing a deep look into colonial sacred architecture.

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 Santa Clara Monastery in the Dominican Republic is a ruin with partially restored areas that can be visited. Access to the ruins is free, the adjacent museum charges an entry fee.
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Typical hours
The ruins are typically open during daytime from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, the museum has similar hours. On holidays, hours may be limited, so check ahead.
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Photography
Photography is allowed on the ruins grounds and in the museum without flash. The restored areas such as the cloister offer particularly photogenic subjects.
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Time needed
Visiting the ruins and the museum takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour. If you are interested in the history of the nunnery, allow a bit more time.
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Combine with
Santa Clara Monastery is in the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo, near the ruins of the San Francisco Monastery. Combine your visit with the Alcázar de Colón and the Cathedral.
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Getting there
The monastery is easily reachable on foot from all over the Colonial Zone. The nearest bus stop is on Calle El Conde, just a 5-minute walk away.
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Insider tip
Take a guided tour to learn more about the history of the first nunnery in the Americas. Visit the museum to see religious artifacts and artworks from the colonial period.

Geography

Coordinates
18.47110, -69.88330

Facts

  • Construction began in 1550, with main buildings completed around 1553.
  • The first female monastery in the Americas, founded for the Poor Clares.
  • Francis Drake used the monastery as his headquarters during the 1586 siege.
  • The church houses valuable religious artworks from the colonial era.
  • Partially damaged by a severe earthquake in 1673.
  • The facade displays a transition from Plateresque to Baroque architectural styles.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Cathedral of Santo DomingoCathedral of Santo Domingo<1 km · SEExplore →
Columbus LighthouseColumbus Lighthouse2 km · NExplore →
Dominican Handicrafts CenterDominican Handicrafts Center2 km · SExplore →
Eduardo Brito National TheaterEduardo Brito National Theater3 km · SExplore →
National Aquarium Santo DomingoNational Aquarium Santo Domingo3 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.

Vehicle
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Santa Clara Monastery (3)

Cathedral of Santo Domingo📍 landmark

Cathedral of Santo Domingo is a Roman Catholic church in Santo Domingo. It is the seat of the archdiocese.

Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Santo Domingo📍 landmark

Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Santo Domingo is an archdiocese of the Catholic Church. It covers the city of Santo Domingo.

Port of Santo Domingo📍 landmark

Port of Santo Domingo is a seaport in the Dominican capital. It is located on the Caribbean coast.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Santa Clara Monastery?
It was the first nunnery in the New World, founded in the 16th century.
Can you visit the interior?
The ruins and the church are partially accessible to visitors.
Where are the monastery ruins located?
On Calle Padre Billini in the Zona Colonial of Santo Domingo.
Is it a popular location for weddings?
Yes, the Santa Clara church is frequently used for weddings.
How much does entrance cost?
Access to the church is usually free; donations are welcome.
Santa Clara Monastery: where is it located?
Santa Clara Monastery is located in Dominican Republic.
Santa Clara Monastery: what is there to see?
Highlights include Cathedral of Santo Domingo, Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Santo Domingo, Port of Santo Domingo.
Santa Clara Monastery: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Santa Clara Monastery: why is it worth visiting?
The Santa Clara Monastery, located in the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo, was the first female convent established in the New World.
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North America
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History & landmarks

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San José Fort
A historic military bastion located along the colonial defensive wall.
Montesinos Monument — Santa Clara Monastery (Dominican Republic)
Montesinos Monument
A colossal statue honoring the friar who preached against the abuse of indigenous people.
Church of Regina Angelorum — Santa Clara Monastery (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.
Santa Bárbara Fort — Santa Clara Monastery (Dominican Republic)
Santa Bárbara Fort
A colonial-era fort that guarded the northern access to the old city.
San Gil Fort — Santa Clara Monastery (Dominican Republic)
San Gil Fort
A reconstructed coastal defense structure at the beginning of the Malecón.
Church of Las Mercedes — Santa Clara Monastery (Dominican Republic)
Church of Las Mercedes
A prominent historic church dedicated to the patron saint of the Dominican Republic.
Obelisco Macho — Santa Clara Monastery (Dominican Republic)
Obelisco Macho
A 40-meter-high obelisk located on the Malecón of Santo Domingo.