On the southeast corner of Plaza España stands the splendid palace built by Diego Columbus (son of Christopher Columbus), where he and his family resided from 1512 until they left the colony in 1523. It could be said that building of the house was the beginning of the undoing of Diego, who was not well liked by local magistrates and was unceremoniously evicted from his previous residence at the Fortress Ozama. In this strained atmosphere, the fortress-like house was suspiciously perceived as preparations for a plot to usurp control of the colony. The palace was built by some 1,500 Taino laborers without using a single nail in any of the 20 rooms or the many doors and windows that hinge on crossbars embedded in the thick coral stone walls. On display inside the palace are several valuable pieces including furniture, silverware, carpets, and personal items from other Spanish palaces predating the 16th century.
(Photo: Stephan Mallet)
RD$50 (children under 12 free)