Overview:

: La Isabela is a village in north west Dominican Republic which was the historic site of the first permanent European settlement in the Americas. Christopher Columbus chose the area to establish a settlement on his 1493 expedition to the Americas. The settlement was short-lived, and La Isabela was abandoned within a year and a half due to a lack of resources, disagreements between the settlers, and poor relations with the native Taino people. The ruins of the settlement have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the area still contains the remains of a few buildings, a cemetery, and the Columbus Monument. The area is open to tourists who can explore the various sites and learn about the region's history. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Dominican-Republic
Prominent Features:

1. La Villa de La Isabela, the earliest Spanish settlement in the Americas: This substantial archaeological site dates back to 1493 when Columbus arrived in the New World. La Isabela was the first Italian-style city in the Americas, and archaeological excavations have revealed all sorts of fascinating details about the early settlers’ lives, from clay pots and pottery to wells and balconies. 2. Historical Museum of La Isabela: Located right on the archeological site, this museum is dedicated to the history of La Isabela and houses numerous exhibits with descriptions and photographs of the historical context of the time. 3. The Fountain Park: This park contains a copy of the original fountain built by the Spanish in 1503, making it the first public water system in the New World. The park also has an open-air auditorium, an artificial lake and many other features and amenities. 4. Christopher Columbus' House: Located very close to the historical museum of La Isabela, this was once the site of the “Casa de Colon”, the home of Christopher Columbus during his stay in the Dominican Republic. The ruins are now enclosed in a glass building to protect them from further weathering. 5. The Oldest Grave in the New World: Located on the grounds of the archaeological site, this ancient grave is the resting place of the first European female to be buried in the New World. It is thought to be that of Columbus’ governess who died in 1493. This national monument of Dominican-Republic portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The settlement of La Isabela, located in the Dominican Republic in Puerto Plata province, is known for being the first European settlement in the New World, preceded only by the short-lived settlement of San Cristobal, also found in the Dominican Republic. La Isabela was established by Christopher Columbus in 1493, during his second voyage to the Americas, as the first permanent settlement of Europeans in the Americas. The settlement was intended as a commercial hub for Columbus to explore and establish trade with the natives of the island of Hispaniola. He intended for the settlement to become a major port city, serving as the main hub of trade between Europe and the Americas. However, due to numerous challenges, including disease, bad weather, and Columbus' failure to properly establish relationships with the locals, the settlement ultimately failed. In 1496, Columbus abandoned La Isabela and the remaining settlers moved to the city of Santo Domingo. Today, the site of La Isabela has been transformed into the La Isabela International Airport, which serves the city of Puerto Plata. Additionally, many artifacts of the original settlement can be found at the nearby La Isabela Archeologic Site Museum, one of the earliest preserved archeological sites in the Americas. The site has also been declared a National Monument by the Dominican Republic's government. You must visit one of these historical places in Dominican-Republic on your Dominican-Republic tour

Interesting facts:

1. La Isabela was the first European settlement established in the Americas by Christopher Columbus, in December 1493. 2. The original settlement was destroyed by a hurricane in 1494 and later abandoned forever due to a lack of resources. 3. In 2014, the site was opened as a museum, and it is now a popular tourist destination. 4. La Isabela is the earliest known state in the Americas. 5. It is located near the modern-day city of Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic. 6. The settlement was a hub of commerce between Europeans and the local Tainos and is credited with the beginning of modern Dominican culture. 7. In 2007, La Isabela was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 8. Archaeological artifacts excavated from the settlement, including bricks, ceramics, and nails, have been on display at the National Museum of the Dominican Republic in Santo Domingo. 9. The Dominican Republic has undertaken several preservation efforts in recent years to protect the ruins of La Isabela, including the installation of a protective cover over the ruins to protect them from further damage. Visit one of the famous monuments of Dominican-Republic with your friends and family.