The Colonial Zone (or Zona Colonial as it is called in Spanish) is a unique blend of old world tradition, Latin American vitality, and modern sophistication packed into an area of about a dozen blocks encircled by the ruins of the original city walls.  Inside, are cobble-covered streets and some 300 stone mansions and churches dating back to the city’s founding in the early 1500s.  Many are UNESCO World Heritage sites which have been beautifully restored, now serving as cosmopolitan venues for a lively bar and restaurant scene, cultural exploration, fashionable shopping, and most likely, the colonial-styled accommodations where you will stay should your travel itinerary include a stop in the oldest city in the New World.


Most visitors to the Zona Colonial do so as a two- to three-day stop over either en route to their final destination in the country or upon returning from one of its vacation areas.  Several resorts around the D.R. also offer day trips to the old city including transportation, lunch, and guided tours with time allotted for shopping.

 


Highlights of the Colonial Zone include:


Parque Cólon
In front of Cathedral of Our Lady Santa Maria of the Incarnation, the first cathedral in the New World. 


Plaza España
Overlooking the mouth of the Ozama River, this wide esplanade is characterized by Alcazar Cólon, the palace where Christopher Columbus’ son lived as viceroy of the burgeoning colony. The seat of administrative power during Colonial times Casa Reales is also located here.  Both are now museums exhibiting impressive collections.  The Atarazana bordering the northern side of the plaza offers several al fresco dining options for lunch; on weekend nights the plaza features live entertainment including musical and dance performances. 


Calle de las Damas
To walk along the first paved street in the New World is to follow in the tradition of the noble ladies who took daily strolls along this route during Colonial times.  Among many historic structures located here is Ozama Fortress, the Sofitel hotel which once was the 16th-century home of the first governor of Santo Domingo, Casa Francia (now the French Embassy) where the conquistador Hernán Cortes lived while mapping out his expedition to Mexico, and the final resting place for many of the country’s national heroes, the Panteón.