Overview:

National Palace, Santo Domingo, is the official residence and workplace of the President of the Dominican Republic. It is located on the edge of the city’s old colonial zone and is known for its grand architecture and beautiful outdoor gardens. The building was built in 1942 to serve as the primary executive office and residence for General Rafael Leónidas Trujillo (the dictator of the Dominican Republic from 1930 to 1961). Until 1954, it was also utilized as the Legislative Palace. It is open to the public for guided tours Monday through Sunday. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Dominican-Republic
Prominent Features:

The National Palace is located in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and it is the official residence of the President of the Dominican Republic. The palace was originally designed by architect Gilberto Soriano Wood and construction started in May 1947. It is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city and is a very popular tourist attraction. The palace is a two-story white building that is constructed in a neo-classical style with an impressive entrance composed of a large staircase and two Ionic columns. Inside the palace you will find a grand salon, stately chambers and courtyards. The grounds also feature a sculpture garden and a large fountain in the shape of the Dominican Republic. The palace is open for tours every day from Monday to Friday and offers an interesting insight into Dominican Republic politics. This national monument of Dominican-Republic portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The National Palace in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic is the official residence of the President of the Dominican Republic. Originally built in 1510 as a government residence for Diego Columbus, the son of Christopher Columbus, it has since served as the residence for a variety of Spanish and Dominican dignitaries and leaders throughout its history. Construction of the palace began in 1510 under Diego Columbus and was completed in 1514. It was originally designed to serve as the administrative and residential center of Spain's colonial government in the Dominican Republic, a role it held for most of the 16th century. Diego Columbus himself occupied the palace and received such guests as Bartolome de Las Casas, the famous Dominican friar and human rights activist. In 1844, the palace was renovated and expanded with the addition of two wings. It also served as the official residence for Dominican president Pedro Santana, who governed from 1844 to 1861. During the same period, the heavily fortified palace endured several assaults by Haitian forces seeking to reestablish the Spanish colonial government in the Dominican Republic. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the palace underwent a series of renovations. In the 1910s, it was completely renovated and modernized under the direction of then president Desiderio Arias. In 1963, with the inauguration of president Juan Bosch, the palace regained its stature as the official residence of the Dominican President. Since then it has been the official residence of every Dominican President. Today, the National Palace is open to visitors as both a museum and presidential residence. It is home to a variety of exhibitions including artwork, artifacts, and documents related to the history of the Dominican Republic. Additionally, the palace hosts a variety of activities such as receptions, state dinners, and meetings with foreign leaders and dignitaries. You must visit one of these historical places in Dominican-Republic on your Dominican-Republic tour

Interesting facts:

1. The National Palace is the oldest surviving executive mansion in the Americas, having been built in 1510. 2. It is considered an important representative of Renaissance-style architecture in the New World. 3. Although modernized throughout the centuries, the original structure still stands today. 4. It served as the seat of government from 1511 to 1897, when the royal court moved to newer presidential palace. 5. Over 200 years later, it was restored in 2004 and is now used as a museum with historical artifacts related to the nation’s colonial and independent eras. 6. A section of the palace is also open as an art gallery. 7. The walls of the palace are decorated with frescoes painted by famous artists like Diego Velazquez. 8. It is open to the public and is one of the most popular sights in Santo Domingo City. Visit one of the famous monuments of Dominican-Republic with your friends and family.