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The Alcazar de Colon, a stately mansion erected in 1510, by the son of
Christopher Columbus, Don Diego Colon, sits on banks of the River Ozama. This
cherished treasurer made of stone and brick embodies all the characteristics of
a renaissance palatzio with its many arch balconies overlooking the gardens.
Without a question, it is a legacy of the splendor of times gone by. The stark
formality of the rooms gives way to the grandeur of these Conquistadors.
Spectacular rich tapestries depicting the realism of military battles adorn the
walls of the home’s interior. Entering the bedrooms of the estate will transport
the visitor to glory of the Spanish conquests. The reflection of the Because of
its beauty and surrounding gardens, this is a favorite place for Dominican
brides to take their wedding pictures.
The Tower of Homage is a massive tower initially intended to defend the entrance
to the port. Construction began in 1503 by, Comendador Ovando, and completed
under the supervision of Juan de Rabe in 1507. The compound is comprised of the
actual Fortress and the Tower, both of which still stand erect after five
centuries. Eventually the tower became a jail where those sentenced to death
awaited their impending demise. Located near the basin of the Rio Ozama, and
although of very little military value, this tower continues to attract visitors
captivated by its dungeons and history of intrigue, inquisition and betrayal.
 Located on Calle de las Mercedes, in its honor, the Iglesia and Convent of las
Mercedes is an extraordinary yet simple gothic church dating back to the middle
of the 1600’s. One of the most loved and admired temples by Dominicans it was
built by Rodrigo de Liendo, and is now part of the country’s history. Here
nationals flock to pray to the Virgen de las Mercedes, in whose inspiration
throughout centuries they have found solace and fortitude. Through the
centuries, this church has undergone continuous restorations, as a result, of
the winds of hurricanes and ravages of pirates such the infamous, Francis Drake.
Today, the scars of centuries have dissipated as doves fly high inside the
church’s interiors, in the midst of brick arches that elegantly converge to form
a breathtaking dome ceiling. Of singular beauty, this temple is the perfect
setting for contemplation and prayer.
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El Convento de los Dominicos is a beautiful monastery built in 1510 by Bartolome
de las Casas, friar of the Dominican Order. Located on Padre Billini Street, we
find next to the convent a gothic church of simple yet extraordinary elegance.
The portal opens into the stark white chapel devoid of opulence. Its
distinctiveness flourishes by its absence of embellishment and yet its majestic
splendor speaks through the walls of years. Here visitors will find the
Chapel of the Rosary, a unique stone vault containing the twelve signs of
the Zodiac. In this veneered temple it is said that monks of the order,
lead by, Fray Anton de Montesinos, launched an uprising against the rich for their abuses of
enslaved Indians.