Overview:

: Basilica Cathedral of Santa María la Menor is the oldest cathedral in the Americas. It is located in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Built in 1514, the Cathedral is an intricate example of Spanish Renaissance and Gothic architecture. The building takes most of its design cues from famous Spanish cathedrals of the time, such as Seville Cathedral, adorned with elements typical of the Spanish colonial period, which were later modified to merge more closely with local Dominican culture. It is one of the very few surviving examples of Spanish Gothic design in all of the Americas. Inside the Cathedral, visitors can admire the grandeur and beauty of its pristine interior, as well as the many works of art placed in its various nooks and crannies. The hymns that fill the Basilica make it one of the most acclaimed places of worship in the region, and it is well known for its role in the Dominican War of Independence. Even today, the Basilica remains a great symbol of the Dominican Republic's rich and vibrant history. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Dominican-Republic
Prominent Features:

The Basilica Cathedral of Santa María la Menor in Santo Domingo is a World Heritage site and the oldest cathedral in the Americas. It was built in 1514–1540, and its appearance is a mix of Late Gothic and the emerging Renaissance architectural styles. The basilica is constructed of stone in a late-Gothic style, with a wide central nave and two lateral aisles. The transepts open onto a large open area, surrounded by a portico with Tuscan columns. The bell tower and entrance of the church were added in the French Colonial period. The interior is decorated with paintings showing the life of the Virgin Mary and of Saint Dominic. The most impressive feature of the Cathedral, however, is the 18-meter-high main altar, which covers the entire width of the transept. The basilica also houses two large baroque organs, the first of which dates back to 1778 and the second originating in the late 19th century. It is the home of the Church of Saint Domingo, the patron saint of the Dominican Republic. The original Gothic cloister still stands in front of the basilica and the Sacristy includes a wooden door that is believed to have been from the previous church. This national monument of Dominican-Republic portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Basilica Cathedral of Santa María la Menor, commonly known as the Cathedral of Santo Domingo, is the oldest cathedral in the New World and the mother church of the Catholic Church in the Americas. It is located in the walled city of Santo Domingo, in the Caribbean nation of the Dominican Republic. The Cathedral was originally conceived and constructed by Friar Anton de Montesinos during the Spanish colonial occupation of the island of Hispaniola. For most of the 16th century, it served as the seat of the Diocese of Santo Domingo. The building was consecrated as a Cathedral in 1540, and rebuilt between 1747 and 1750, with the help of funds from Charles III of Spain. The Cathedral is noted for its impressive Baroque façade and the golden altar created by John of Rouen. In addition, the Cathedral houses a replica of the relic of the original cross borne by Columbus when he returned from his first voyage to the New World. The relic is preserved in a marble sarcophagus and displayed in the main altar. In 1864, the Spanish ceded the Dominican Republic to the Haitians, and the Cathedral fell into disrepair. But in 1865, Juan Pablo Duarte organized a revolution to liberate the country from Haiti and the Cathedral was restored to its former glory. In 1922, the remains of Christopher Columbus were moved from Seville, Spain and interred in the Cathedral, and it has become one of the major tourist attractions in Santo Domingo. The Cathedral remains an important cultural and religious landmark and has been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. You must visit one of these historical places in Dominican-Republic on your Dominican-Republic tour

Interesting facts:

1. The Basilica Cathedral of Santa María la Menor is the oldest cathedral in America. Built in 1514, it is the oldest cathedral in the New World and second oldest basilica in all the Americas. 2. This grand cathedral has a Romanesque Revival, Byzantine and Moorish architecture style and contains much interior decoration, including a carved wooden altarpiece. 3. The Santo Domingo Basilica is where two of the first Europeans born in the New World are buried, Rodrigo de Bastidas and Juan Ponce de León. 4. This beautiful basilica is a symbol of the colonial era of the Dominican Republic, and is now a part of its World Heritage Site: Colonial City of Santo Domingo. 5. The Basilica Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor holds great importance to the Dominican culture and serves as a place to celebrate traditional West Indian ceremonies. 6. It is also listed as a National Monument of the Dominican Republic and is visited by thousands of tourists each year. Visit one of the famous monuments of Dominican-Republic with your friends and family.