Don’t miss this Gothic Renaissance palace in the Zona Colonial, built between 1510 and 1514 for Christopher Columbus’s eldest son, Diego Colón (governor of the colony and viceroy of the Indies), and his wife, María de Toledo (niece of King Ferdinand of Spain). Unfortunately, Francis Drake and his band of pirates pillaged the place in 1586, setting fire to the third floor on their way out. What’s left today is a believable re-creation of the original palace—minus one floor—where visiting conquistadores Balboa, Cortés, Pizarro, and Velázquez planned expeditions in grand rooms and plotted to conquer other lands. Visitors can take a solid audio tour of 22 restored rooms, including the viceroy’s waiting room and a ballroom with a crystal chandelier.
More Recommendations
Columbus' house
In Santo Domingo, in the town square, you notice a funny two level structure perched on the edge and overlooking the ports. The Alcazar de Colon was a house built in 1510 by Cristobol Colombo’s (Christopher Columbus) son, Diego. Diego was the Viceroy of La Española and the Indies in 1509. These conquistadors and their brethren were responsible for the invasion and destruction of Native American culture yet are still honored in Santo Domingo, today. It’s filled with artifacts from the time and is a solid look into the era. Interesting to note that it did have a third floor until Sir Francis Drake, the pirate, burned it off as a conquering parting-gift to the town.
Columbus' barred view
In Santo Domingo, in the town square, you notice a funny two level structure perched on the edge and overlooking the ports. The Alcazar de Colon was a house built in 1510 by Cristobol Colombo’s (Christopher Columbus) son, Diego. Diego was the Viceroy of La Española and the Indies in 1509. These conquistadors and their brethren were responsible for the invasion and destruction of Native American culture yet are still honored in Santo Domingo, today. It’s filled with artifacts from the time and is a solid look into the era. It is also filled with these eerie and symbolic views from inside out. Interesting to note that it did have a third floor until Sir Francis Drake, the pirate, burned it off as a conquering parting-gift to the town.
The meeting of past and present
In Santo Domingo, in the town square, you notice a funny two level structure perched on the edge and overlooking the ports. The Alcazar de Colon was a house built in 1510 by Cristobol Colombo’s (Christopher Columbus) son, Diego. Diego was the Viceroy of La Española and the Indies in 1509. These conquistadors and their brethren were responsible for the invasion and destruction of Native American culture yet are still honored in Santo Domingo, today. It’s filled with artifacts from the time and is a solid look into the era. This cannon, pointed out towards a Caribbean cruise shit in the harbor, is a striking testament to old and new. Interesting to note that it did have a third floor until Sir Francis Drake, the pirate, burned it off as a conquering parting-gift to the town.
