Overview:

: Zona Colonial is a historic district located in Santo Domingo, the capital of Dominican Republic. It has been the center of the city since it was part of the Spanish Empire in 1502 and is one of the first cities to be established in the New World. Zona Colonial is considered to be the most important colonial site in the Americas and the most complete historic space in the Caribbean. As a World Heritage site, it is home to many important monuments, churches, buildings, and structures from colonial times, such as the first hospital in the New World, the oldest Christian cathedral in the Americas, and the first paved street in the whole of the New World. Zona Colonial is a major tourist destination and is known for its picturesque beauty, vibrant culture, and colorful history. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Dominican-Republic
Prominent Features:

1. Alcazar de Colon - The first and oldest vice regal residence of New World, this impressive 16th-century mansion was built in Spanish colonial style. It now houses The Royal Houses Museum that displays important cultural artifacts and artwork from the colonial period of the country. 2. Parque Colon - This large public park is a popular destination in the Zona Colonial. It houses the monument of Christopher Columbus and features various walking paths surrounded by sculpture gardens. The park also has a playground and a pond with fish. 3. Catedral Primada de America - A beautiful old cathedral in the heart of the Zona Colonial, it is one of the oldest cathedrals in the Americas. It was built in 1540 and features Gothic and Baroque architecture. Inside, you can witness spectacular artwork, sculptures and other treasures. 4. Calle El Conde - One of the most charming streets in the city, this pedestrian street is lined with cafes, restaurants and colonial-style architecture. This area is a great way to get in touch with Santo Domingo’s culture and experience the Caribbean vibes. 5. Plaza de España - Located right in the center of the Zona Colonial, this impressive square is the oldest in Santo Domingo. It features beautiful gardens and a monument dedicated to Christopher Columbus, along with original cobblestone alleys that date back to 1502. This national monument of Dominican-Republic portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Zona Colonial, or Colonial Zone, of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, is the oldest continuously inhabited European-founded settlement in the Americas. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to famed landmarks like the Diego Colon House, the Fort of Ozama, and Cathedral of Santo Domingo. The Zona Colonial was founded in 1496 and was the first city laid-out in the New World by Christopher Columbus's brother, Bartholomew Columbus. The settlement quickly became a major trading post for goods coming from Europe, the Caribbean, and the Americas, and it prospered thanks to its strategic location on the north side of the Caribbean Sea. During the 1600s and 1700s, Santo Domingo's Zona Colonial continued to thrive as the colonial government, churches, and elite class built grand buildings and monuments that remain today. Prominent structures from this time period include the Alcázar de Colón, a large palace built by Diego Colon, Christopher Columbus's son, between 1514 and 1519. Across the plaza stood the first monastery in the New World, San Francisco Church. Both of these late-15th century Renaissance-Baroque-style structures still stand today. The 19th century saw a decline in the Zona Colonial's prosperity and Santo Domingo's popularity as a port of call due to a series of political and economic struggles. However, in the twentieth century, the city began to develop a tourism-based economy and today the Colonial Zone is a popular attraction. The Zona Colonial serves as a living reminder of the colonial legacy of the Dominican Republic and its role in history. You must visit one of these historical places in Dominican-Republic on your Dominican-Republic tour

Interesting facts:

1. The Zona Colonial in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic is home to the oldest street in the Americas. Known as Calle Las Damas, or "Ladies Street," it was laid out in 1502, making it the first paved street in the New World. 2. The Zona Colonial is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, having been recognized for its outstanding example of a European-influenced urban landscape in the New World. 3. The Zona Colonial is home to the first cathedral built in the Americas, Catedral Primada de America. The construction of this cathedral began in 1512 and it still stands today. 4. The area is also home to the first hospital in the Americas, Hospital San Nicolás de Bari. Construction of this hospital began in 1503 and was completed in 1512. 5. The Zona Colonial is home to many other historic buildings, such as the Alcázar de Colón (Christopher Columbus' residence) and the building that now houses the country's House of Congress. 6. The Zona Colonial is also home to many beautiful parks and gardens, such as the Parque Colón (Columbus Park) and the Parque Mirador Sur. 7. The area is home to several museums, such as the Museo de las Casas Reales (Museum of Royal Houses) and the Museo de las Casas Reales de Indias (Museum of Royal Houses of the Indies). Visit one of the famous monuments of Dominican-Republic with your friends and family.