Admire the relics and grandeur of one of the Dominican Republic’s most significant colonial sites, the Alcázar de Colón. This building is one of the country’s oldest colonial residences and preserves the memory of Diego Colón, the building’s first resident and the son of Christopher Columbus. Admire its impressive white façade, look over Santo Domingo’s cityscape from its terraces and browse the Alcázar’s in-house museum.
The Alcázar de Colón was originally built in 1514 for Diego Colón, the son of Christopher Columbus, who became viceroy of Spain and the Indies the previous year. It was in this historic building that colonial expeditions were planned and important members of the Spanish court were hosted. The building was badly damaged in the 16th century, but a period of restoration in the 20th century preserved the historical architecture.
Enter the grounds through the building’s surrounding gardens and up several flights of stairs. The white coralline block façade is decorated with arches and columns. Walk through its restored rooms that contain centuries-old furnishings. Imagine a time when Diego Colón would meet with his commanders and ensure the protection of his Caribbean lands.
Today the Alcázar de Colón houses the Museo Alcázar de Diego Colón, an art museum that holds the Caribbean’s most important collection of European artworks. Browse late medieval and renaissance paintings and tapestries from the 15th century.
Take in the expansive panorama of Santo Domingo from the upstairs terrace. In the afternoons head to a nearby café and enjoy a drink with a view of the Puerta de San Diego, the former main gates of the city, and the Alcázar’s façade, which turns golden in the afternoon sun.
Alcázar de Colón is open daily and charges admission. Audio guides are included in the entry price. The museum is located near the Ozama River in Santo Domingo East. Get there by bus, minivan or taxi from anywhere in the city.