Overview:

is a large wholesale and retail marketplace located in the capital city of Santo Domingo. It is the largest market of its kind in the entire Caribbean. The market offers an extensive selection of both imported and locally sourced goods. It serves as an important hub for many small businesses who use the market for large-order merchandise, for tourists and locals alike with its variety of souvenir items, electronics, clothing, produce, and other products. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Dominican-Republic
Prominent Features:

1. Historic building: The iconic Mercado Modelo building is believed to have been built in 1867 and is a symbol of Dominican heritage and culture. 2. Shopping: The bustling market offers a wide selection of traditional and modern merchandise, from fresh vegetables and fruits to souvenirs and clothing. 3. Artisanal Market: Locals and tourists alike can find unique items such as locally made art and jewelry, skillfully crafted from natural materials and generating lots of income for the artisanal community. 4. Street vendors: The lively streets of the market are filled with vendors selling a variety of products and snacks, from fruit carts to live music. 5. Entertainment: The local cultural center (Centro Cultural) hosts regular nights of live music and dance performances, giving visitors a glimpse into the Dominican culture. 6. Cultural sharing: As people from different parts of Latin America come to the market, it's common to find different languages and cultures mixing in the streets. 7. Delicious street food: Visitors can find delicious traditional foods such as empanada de carne; a savory turnover filled with meat, vegetables, spices, rice, and cheese. 8. Cultural history: The architecture of the Mercado Modelo reflects the history of Dominican Republic, with its distinctive Victorian architecture. 9. Unique experience: The market provides a unique atmosphere, with vendors singing and people buying, trading, and selling all sorts of items. 10. Cheap prices: Bargain hunters will find the prices here a great bargain, while those looking to experience the Dominican culture and traditions will find the market an enjoyable and unique experience. This national monument of Dominican-Republic portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Mercado Modelo ("Model Market") in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, is an extensive outdoor market and has recently become noted for its artisans' work, primarily in leather. Originally, the market was a typical open-air market. It offered an enormous variety of items for sale, from typical market items (like fruits, vegetables, and clothing) to more exotic items (like soap operas and religious objects). Many of the items were of Dominican origin, some imported from Europe and the United States. By the late 1990s, as more and more tourists began to visit Santo Domingo, the market began to shift and specialize in products aimed at tourists. Craftsmen began selling leather goods such as wallets, purses, pouches, belts, and hats. These items became so popular among visitors that they became known as "Mercado Modelo leathers," and the demand for them grew exponentially. In recent years, Mercado Modelo has seen an influx of small-scale entrepreneurs selling leather goods, making it a major source of leather artisanship in Santo Domingo. The market has become a popular destination for visitors to the city, providing an array of authentic Dominican items for tourists to take home as a souvenir. You must visit one of these historical places in Dominican-Republic on your Dominican-Republic tour

Interesting facts:

: 1. Mercado Modelo is one of the oldest and largest markets in Santo Domingo, and is a popular destination for locals and tourists. 2. It is located in the historic center of the city, near the Zona Colonial and the Cathedral of Santo Domingo. 3. The market was originally set up in the late 16th century as part of the Royal Decree to fortify the city, as it was viewed as a strategic point of commercial exchange. 4. The building was reconstructed in 1845 and is considered a historical landmark. 5. Inside the market you can find a wide range of products, from fresh fruit and vegetables, to traditional Dominican crafts, jewelry, shoes and clothing. 6. It also has a food court-style set up, serving traditional Dominican dishes and snacks. 7. Mercado Modelo also hosts events such as music performances, exhibitions, and cultural festivals throughout the year. Visit one of the famous monuments of Dominican-Republic with your friends and family.