City: Dominican Republic
Top Things to do in Dominican Republic
Top Hotels in Dominican Republic
- 1. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana
- 2. Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa
- 3. Dreams Royal Beach Punta Cana
- 4. Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana
- 5. Live Aqua Beach Resort Punta Cana
- 6. Majestic Elegance Punta Cana
- 7. Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana
- 8. Casa de Campo Resort & Villas
- 9. Majestic Mirage Punta Cana
- 10. Dreams Macao Beach Punta Cana
Countries
Things to do in Dominican Republic, Dominican Republic: The Best Ancient Ruins
Coordinates: 19°00′N 70°40′W / 19.000°N 70.667°W / 19.000; -70.667
Restaurants in Dominican Republic
1. Ruinas del Convento de las Mercedes
2. Ruinas del Ingenio Cepi Cepi
3. Saint Barbara's Church (Iglesia Santa Barbara)
4. Ingenio Boca de Nigua
5. Las Piramides
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 81 reviews
Reviewed By SantanaScape - Bronx, United States
Great place to visit the park entry is 150 pesos about 3 dollars per person. Once in its a long road with different scenery and places to viso
6. Ruinas de Engombe
7. Piedra Letrada
8. Monasterio de San Francisco
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 186 reviews
The ruins of the first New World monastery lie here, destroyed by two different earthquakes.
Reviewed By andrewmU2655XD
The San Franasisco monastery is one of the highlights of the colonial zone. It is located a short walk west of the Plaza de España on Calle Hostos. I hoped to access the ruins from the main gate, but it was closed. There were no signs posted showing the hours of opening, and I didn't get a chance to return. I had to be content with taking photos from the street. The best external photos are from the old main entrance to the monastery which is known as the Cordón de la Orden Franciscana. Above this main arched entrance is a sculpture of ropes with three swirls. In the center swirl, is the coat of arms of the Dominican monks. Above this area is a sculpture of a stone cross. On top of the cross is a stone bust of Padre Bellini. in 1881, Padre Bellini opened a part of the ruins as a mental asylum. It is said that chains which secured the mentally ill patients still remain on the walls. The Governor of the colony Nicolás de Ovando, moved the city from the north bank to the colonial site in 1502. The monastery was built of wood, and was completed in 1509. The original wooden structure was removed and replaced with a stone construction in 1544. This stone structure was completed in 1556. The monastery was burned by Sir Francis Drake during the battle of Santo Domingo in 1586. Repairs were completed in 1664, and at this time the monastery was divided into three parts: the convent, the chapels and the old San Francisco. Unfortunately, the chapel was severely damaged by earthquakes in 1673 and 1751. In 1881, Padre Bellini opened the asylum, and it was used in this manner until the San Zenon Hurricane in 1930. The building was not repaired after the hurricane, and has had little restoration works since. It remains a popular site to visit in the old city for those interested in architecture, but also hosts merengue parties on weekends. It is said that the remains of Bartholomew Columbus (cousin of Christopher) was discovered here and Alonso de Ojeda, is also said to have been buried at this site. A nearby attraction is the beautiful Santuario Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia, a short walk south.
9. La Aleta
Overall Ratings
2.5 based on 4 reviews
Numerous Taino artifacts were uncovered at this ancient Indian site following a 1996 excavation.
