Welcome to Santo Domingo

This was the first Spanish colony in the Americas, and is one of the most economically developed cities in Latin America. It is home to the first road, university, hospital, and church in the Americas. The city's old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Santo Domingo also has the most developed subway system in the Caribbean, making it easy to get around. ⭕️Two cities, from Seville to Santo Domingo. One is the starting point for merchant ships, the other is the destination. The fleet travels back and forth on the maritime wealth line connecting the two cities. Columbus and his successors began their legendary journey of wealth from here, ushering in the Age of Discovery. They left behind a precious legacy for both cities, allowing people to reminisce about that turbulent and bloody era. 🎯On December 5, 1492, Columbus landed on the northwest tip of what is now the Dominican Republic and named the entire island Hispaniola. On December 23, Columbus' ship ran aground near what is now Cape Haiti. He had no choice but to leave 39 men on land and use the ship's timbers to build the "Christmas Fort." Columbus continued to sail northeast with the rest of the fleet, exploring the northern coast of what is now the Dominican Republic, before returning to Spain. Columbus' brother, Bartholomew Columbus, established the "New Isabella City" on the south side of the island (east bank of the Ozama River), which is now Santo Domingo, between 1496 and 1498. After Columbus' death, his remains were moved from Spain to the Dominican Republic and buried in Santo Domingo. It is said that Columbus' ashes are now in the Columbus Lighthouse on the east side of the city (although some claim they are buried in Seville Cathedral). 💖Santo Domingo's old town is the best I've seen in all of Latin America! The atmosphere, architecture, and plants are really worth a visit! I highly recommend it! (Although the area near the old town is a bit like a slum, with a strong sense of division, the core area of the old town is really great)