Overview:

Alcázar de Colón, also known as the Columbus Alcázar, is a historical building and museum located in the Colonial City of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. It is a European-style palace built by Diego Columbus, the eldest son of Christopher Columbus, and is considered to be the oldest viceregal residence in the Americas. It is now a museum where visitors can learn about the history and culture of the Dominican Republic, and explore its gardens, terraces, and galleries filled with art and artifacts. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Dominican-Republic
Prominent Features:

1. Arched Fountains: The Alcazar de Colon located in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic originally served as the house of the first royal family of the Americas. A well maintained medieval style fortress provides the setting for the now restored palace and its grounds. There are two fountains with arcading and five-stepped cascades leading from one to the other. 2. Front and Rear Facades: Both the front and rear facades of the Alcazar display the Spanish-style architecture. The façade is composed of stone, brick, and white limestone elements. 3. Bulbous Towers: The entrance of the palace is protected by two bulbous towers with spiral staircases, and the tower terraces offer a look at the panoramic view of the city. 4. Grand Courtyard: The courtyard is surrounded by columns, balconies, stairs, and terraces with classic Renaissance patterned flooring. 5. Historic Artifacts: The palace displays many original pieces of furniture, beautiful paintings, and other artifacts collected by the residence of the palace. This national monument of Dominican-Republic portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Alcazar de Colón, also known as the Columbus Palace, is a mansion located in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Located in the Historic Center of Santo Domingo, it was the first family residence of the Americas of the family of Christopher Columbus, during his lifetime (1495-1506). The construction of the mansion began in 1510 and was originally intended to serve as the residence of Diego Colón, Christopher's son. During the Spanish colonial period, the Alcazar was used to house every viceroy or captain-general who had been sent by the Spanish Crown to the Dominican Republic. In 1875, the building was restored and was used as government offices. During the early 20th century, the Alcazar was used as the seat of the Dominican Senate. In 1936, the government decided to restore the palace and turn it into a museum with the intention of regaining its original character. Today, the Alcazar is a popular tourist attraction and it houses a permanent vast collection of 16th-19th century furniture, memories, maps and portraits of the famous Columbus family, as well as works of arts from the European Masters of the 15th and 16th centuries. You must visit one of these historical places in Dominican-Republic on your Dominican-Republic tour

Interesting facts:

1. Alcazar de Colon was built in 1512 by the son of Christopher Columbus, Diego Columbus, and is the oldest Viceregal residence in the Americas. 2. It was declared a National Monument in 1887 and had major renovations in 1992 due to its age and the passage of time. 3. It is now part of the Paraninfo Universitario of the Universidad Autonoma de Santo Domingo. 4. The Alcazar is believed to have been built as a fortress to protect the city from pirate invasions. 5. It's located in the highest part of the old city of Santo Domingo, just a few yards away from the Ozama River. 6. The east-facing façade has three galleries on the second floor and a balcony on the third. 7. It served as the official residence of the Spanish viceroys who governed the colony for two centuries. 8. It was built in a combination of Spanish and European Renaissance styles. 9. In the courtyard of the Alcazar de Colón you can find the statues of Christopher Columbus and his son, Diego Columbus, the founder of the residence. 10. The Alcazar is now open to visitors featuring the original furniture, decorations and historical artifacts from the time. Visit one of the famous monuments of Dominican-Republic with your friends and family.