Santo Domingo, the first city of the new world is with its approx. 3.3 millions inhabitants not only the capital of the Dominican Republic, but also the largest city of the entire Caribbean. The capital (La Capital) is located in the south of the country. Its history begins with the conquest of the New World. After the first settlement “La Isabel” had been given up northwest of Puerto Plata from their Spanish founders, Bartolomé Colón started on 4-8-1496 with the building of the settlement “Nueva Isabel”.
Few traces of the foundations as well as the well restored small church Nuestra Señora del Rosario are to be found on the grounds of the present National Corn Mill (to be recognized by the silos). Just a few years after founding this settlement was destroyed by a hurricane. Therefore on instructions of the governor of Hispaniola, Nicolás de Ovando in 1502 the settlement was moved to the west bank which developed into the present Santo Domingo de Guzmán . At the beginning of the 16th Century the city rapidly became the center of the Spanish conquest of the Caribbean Region. In1506 the city was declared as the bishops seat, and 5 years later the Spanish viceroy Diego Colón declared it to be the capital of the viceroy realm Hispaniola. However in 1535 the viceroy moved its seat from Santo Domingo to Mexico City. New expeditions to South and Central America aroused the interest of the Conquistadores and Santo Domingo became the only reloading point of treasures, which arrived from the newly conquered richer colonies.
In 1586 sir Francis Drake pillaged and destroyed the city. At the end of the16th century it lost more and more of its importance, became impoverished and was surrendered to decay. Only in the middle of the 18th Century was there a short upswing. The actual reconstruction began at the beginning of the 20th Century. Earthquakes in 1673, 1684, 1842 and in 1946 destroyed large parts of the city. In the 20th Century they were all hurricanes, which left their traces. The most costly hurricane in 1930 left an economic disaster with the almost complete destruction of Santo Domingo. Further hurricanes in 1979 and 1998 cost hundreds of human lives and caused huge damages. During the Trujillo area the city was named Ciudad Trujillo (1936-1961). Since several years the still existing buildings from the colonial age are being restored. They are all almost exclusively located in the old part of town (Zona Colonial), on the west bank of the Río Ozama. The old part of town, Ciudad Colonial, is strongly recommended to visit, Here is also the shopping street “El Conde” , well suited for a relaxing shopping spree. Santo Domingo is a city very much alive and very hospitable. The pedestrian invites you to stroll and enjoy its many stores, bars, cafes and restaurants and the vibrant city life.
Visiting Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, you´ll enter another dimension . The colorful life of the Caribbean accompanies you at every step and turn.
The city combines the modern trends and a rising economy. The old town centre in colonial architecture makes the city very special and unique. The shopping area of the mile long “El Conde” avenue is a pedestrian zone with numerous bars, clubs and restaurants.
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