Museums

Dominican Republic museums.

THE MUSEUM ALCÁZAR DE COLÓN, Santo Domingo was built between 1510 and 1512 and was presented to Christopher Columbus' son, Diego, Governor of Hispaniola during the Colonial era, and this majestic palace was home for him and his descendants during their stay on the island. The Alcázar became the center of Colonial power where the first Spanish court was established in the New World. It became the temporary home of many such as Pizarro, Cortez, Balboa and Ponce de León on his way to future conquests in America. It consists of 22 rooms. The structure itself projects a mixture of Gothic and Arabic styles, and was heavily influenced by the Spanish and Italian Renaissance. The Alcazar de Colón is open to the public as a museum and houses many fine treasures of the colonial era.

Open Monday to Sunday 9 a.m.– 5 p.m. Plaza España, Colonial City.  Tel +1809 682 4750

MUSEUM OF THE ROYAL HOUSES, Santo Domingo was built in 1511 by order of King Ferdinand II of Aragon, and is so named because during the colonial era, it was the location of the Real Audiencia (Royal Court) that served as the first court of the New World and also served as a residence for governors and captains at the time. The Museum has nine rooms and is composed of two buildings that connect to each other, adjacent to the Palace of the Governors and the other the Royal Court and Accounts. It is a place where many sacred and important people marched during the colonial era. Inside, important meetings were organized, consisting of royal officials and judges, who discussed issues of political, religious and commercial importance to the island of Hispaniola. These consultations also involved representatives of the Church and, of course, Spanish subjects themselves who consodered the Indian  tributes paid to the Spanish Crown. However, the Indian chiefs, although considered capable  and intelligent, were never invited.

Tuesday–Sunday, 9.a.m.– 5 p.m., Calle Las Damas,  Esquina Mercedes.