Religious site

Cathedral of Santo Domingo

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Cathedral of Santo DomingoMariordo (Mario Roberto Durán Ortiz) · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
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The Cathedral of Santo Domingo, officially the Cathedral of Santa María la Menor, is the oldest cathedral in the Americas, construction beginning in 1514. Its architecture blends Gothic and Plateresque styles, with a striking limestone facade and a vaulted interior. Visitors can see the tomb of Christopher Columbus (though his remains are disputed) and admire the altar, choir stalls, and religious art. The cathedral's location in the Colonial Zone makes it a centerpiece of any tour, offering a tangible link to the early colonial era.

Don't miss

  • Admire the intricate Plateresque carvings on the main facade.
  • See the tomb of Christopher Columbus (claimed by the cathedral).
  • View the 16th-century choir stalls and the main altar.

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Ways to visit Cathedral of Santo Domingo

You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.

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