There are two Santo Domingo's in the Dominican Republic, one within the other. The glittering Latin metropolis that stands as the proud capital city of the Dominican Republic is home to more than 3.7 million residents, making it the largest city in the Caribbean. When Dominicans speak of Santo Domingo, they are referring to 'Greater Santo Domingo' or possibly the surrounding province of Santo Domingo. However, if one speaks of Ciudad Colonial, then they mean the enclave lying at the center of Santo Domingo that was built centuries ago.
In 1502 a strong hurricane ripped apart the original Spanish settlement and Ciudad Colonial or 'Colonial City' was rebuilt. Defensive walls were constructed at the direction of Bartholomew Columbus (the younger brother of Christopher Columbus) who established the colony, and the walls stood for hundreds of years. Incredibly many of the old buildings build by Columbus and his helpers, still stand today after 500 years with various conflicts and environmental issues.
Today, the Dominican is a peaceful destination populated by generous people with hospitable customs. The historic charm of Ciudad Colonial is the real jewel in Santo Domingo. As the single oldest settlement of the New World still standing in almost exactly the same manner as it did in 1502, UNESCO has declared the neighbourhood a World Heritage Site.
If there is time for just one site to visit while in Santo Domingo proper, choose the Cathedral de Santa Maria la Menor; of all the cathedrals in North and South America, it is the oldest. Construction began in 1512, but Pope Julius II consecrated the site of its intended location in 1504. Take note: at the time, it would have been an incredibly big deal for a Roman Pope to travel across the Atlantic Ocean to an undomesticated and wild locale in order to consecrate a cathedral. On the other hand, Pope Julius II was a bit of a fireball who apparently loved to travel.
Santa Maria Cathedral isn't just a normal everyday old church. The walls are solid limestone, as are three of the doors. The remains of Christopher Columbus once 'lived' at the Cathedral, which has magnificently constructed cross-vaulted ceilings, and that continues to house artifacts from the 16th century that the public can view. So, Santo Domingo isn't just the Dominican gateway to the Americas; the inner neighbourhood of Ciudad Colonial holds the very first footsteps of European colonization in North America.
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