Saint Dominic also known as Dominic of Osma, Dominic de Guzmán and Domingo de Guzmán Garcés (1170 – August 6, 1221) was the founder of the Friars Preachers, called the Dominicans or Order of Preachers, a Catholic religious order.
Santo Domingo de Guzmán (commonly shortened toSanto Domingo) has around 2.5 Millions of population, and is located on Caribbean Sea and the mouth of the Ozama river. The city was founded by Christopher Columbus in 1496 and it is a first city in the "New World". Dictator Rafael Leónidas Trujillo Molina gave the name to city by itself, so it was called Cuidad Trujillo until 1961.
At the time before Columbus, the island had nameQuisqueya (mother of all lands) and Ayiti (land of high mountains), and was governed by a system of Cacicazgos Taino indians (chieftains) consisting of five divisions: Marién, Maguá, Maguana, Jaragua and Higüey.
The most importand building would be Catedral Santa María La Menor, the first Catholic cathedral in America.
Provinces, Cities, Towns in the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is divided into twenty-nine provinces or regions, and the National District ~ which is in effect the thirtieth province. In addition, there are really two major cities in the country ~ Santo Domingo de Guzman, which is the nation's capital and most heavily populated city ~ Santiago de Los Caballeros, the second largest city located in the northwest portion of the country, close to what can be called the nation's "tobacco region". . The Provinces of the Dominican Republic ~ Capitals of each Province and Major Towns
.AZUA ~ Located directly west of the capital, Azua's coastline is on the southern or Caribbean sea side of the country Capital City: Azua, Major Towns:Estebania, Las Charcas, Padre Las Casas, Peralta, Sabana Yegua, Tabara Arriba, Yamas de Viajama
BAORUCO ~ Located in the western part of the country, this province is land locked and situated close to the border with Haiti. Capital City: Neiba, Major Towns:Galvan, Los Rios, Postrer Rio, Villa Jaragua
BARAHONA ~ Located in the southwest portion of the country, Barahona borders the Caribbean Sea and has been an area that the government has slated for future tourist development. An airport capable of handling International Jumbo jets sits idle in Barahona, awaiting new tourist traffic. Capital City: Barahona, Major Towns: Cabral, El Penon, Enriquillo, Las Salinas, Paraiso
DAJABON ~ Located in the northwest corner of the country, bordering Haiti and the Monti Cristi district Capital City:Dajabon, Major Towns: Loma de Cabrera, Partido, Restauracion
DISTRITO NACIONAL ~ The capital district of the country, located on the southern costaline. Aside from being the home to the nation's capital city, The city of Haina - a major sea port and point of entry for many automobiles and other goods entering the country, is also located within the National District Capital City:Santo Domingo (de Guzman)
Neigborhoods or subdivisions of Santo Domingo
Within the city proper ~ West of the river Ozama ~ Close to business districts and government offices: Arroyo Hondo, Bella Vista, Ciudad Colonial or Zona Colonial, Ciudad Universitaria, El Cacique, Gazcue, Herrera, Honduras del Norte, Julieta Morales, La Fe, La Julia, Los Millones, Los Prados, Los Restauradores, Luperon, Mirador Norte, Naco, Paraiso, Piantini, Quisqueya.
East of the River Ozama ~ La Zona Oriental and other sections heading east towards Las Americas Airport and Boca Chica: Alma Rosa, Cancino, Charles de Gaul or "Charlie", Isabelita, Faro A Colon, Las Americas, Los Mameyes, Los Mina Norte, Los Mina Sur, Los Tres Ojos, Los Trinitarios, Mendoza, Villa Duarte, Villa Faro, San Souci
Other Areas Part of the Nactional District include: Boca Chica Beach & Las Americas International Airport
More Dominican Republic Privince
DUARTE ~ A landlocked province in the northeast. A section of Duarte borders the Samana province. Capital City: San Francisco de Marcoris, Major Towns:Arenoso, Castillo, Las Guaranas, Pimentel
ELIAS PINA ~ Located almost equidistant from both coastlines, bordering Haiti.Capital City: Comendador, Major Towns:Banica, El Llano, Hondo Valle, Pedro Santana
EL SEIBO ~ Located in the northeast corner of the country, southeast from Samana Peinsula. Capital City: El Seibo,Major Towns: Miches (Playa Miches)
ESPAILLAT ~ Located on the northern coastline, bordering the Puerto Plata district. Capital City: Moca, Major Towns:Gaspar Hernandez, Jamao al Norte, Jose Contreras, Rio San Juan, San Victor
HATO MAYOR ~ Located on the eastern portion of the country, Hato Mayor shares the Bay of Samana with it's neighbor directly due north, Samana. Capital City:Hato Mayor Major Towns: El Valle, Sabana de La Mar
INDEPENDENCIA ~ Located northwest and bordering Barahona, Independencia is the home of the largest inland lake of the country ~ Lago Enriquillo & The Nacional Park Isla Cabritos. A major portion of Independencia also border the southern section of Haiti. Capital City: JimaniMajor Towns: Duverge, La Descubierta, Mella
LA ALTAGRACIA ~ Located on the south-eastern portion of the country, La Altagracia is home to two national parks, the famous Punta Cana resort area, and Isla Saona. Capital City: Higuey Major Towns: Nisibon, Punta Cana, San Rafael de Yuma
LA ROMANA ~ Bordering La Altagracia and the Caribbean Sea, La Romana is home to the famous Casa De Campo tourist resort ~ which includes the popular tourist attraction Altos de Chavon.Capital City: Romana Major Towns:Guaymate
LA VEGA ~ Located in just about the center of the country, La Vega is located in what can be called "Mountain Country". The Constanza section of La Vega is known for cooler temperatures and production of cold weather fruits, such as apples. Along with the San Juan district, La Vega offers some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the country. Capital City: La Vega, Major Towns: Constanza, Jarabacoa, Jima Abajo
MARIA TRINIDAD SANCHEZ ~ Located on the northern coast, east of Puerto Plata and bordering Samana ~ this province hosts a national park and the sea side resort town of Cabrera. Capital City:Nagua, Major Towns: Cabrera, El Factor
MONSENOR NOUEL ~ Located in truly the center of the country, Monsenor Nouel borders La Vega and also features mountainous terrain and cooler termperatures. Capital City: Bonao
MONTE CRISTI ~ Located in the far northwest corner, bordering Puerto Plata and the Atlantic Ocean, Monte Cristi will remind travelers more of Aruba than anyplace else. Drier climate and cactus are prominent features of this part of the country. Capital City: Monte Cristi, Major Towns: Castanuelas, Guayubin, Las Matas de Santa Cruz, Pepillo Salcedo, Villa Vazquez
MONTE PLATA ~ The Monte Plata province is directly due north of Santo Domingo and the National District. While the province is land locked, it does boast two small mountain ranges, and the beautiful Los Haitises National Park.Capital City: Monte Plata, Major Towns:Bayaguana, Don Juan, Esperalvillo, Sabana Grande de Boya and Yamasa.
PEDERNALES ~ Located in the southern most point of the country, Pedernales is home to the Jaragua National Park, Isla Beata and Isla Alto Velo. Playa Larga is one of the largest single strech of beaches that has been designated for tourist development by the government. Capital City: Pedernales, Major Towns: Oviedo
PERAVIA ~ Stretching from La Vega down to the Caribbean coastline, Peravia is home to two small mountain ranges in the north and the beautiful beaches of Las Salinas. Capital City: Bani, Major Towns:Don Gregono, Mantanzas, Nizao, Rancho Arriba, Sabana Buey, Sabana Larga, San Jose de Ocoa
PUERTO PLATA ~ Tourists are well versed with this Atlantic Ocean coast province, as it is home to numerous resorts, and the beach front towns of Puerto Plata and Sosua. Capital City:Puerto Plata, Major Towns: Altamira, Guananico, Imbert, La Isabela, Los Hidalgos, Luperon and Sosua
SALCEDO ~ The tiny province of Salcedo is neatly nestled between Espaillat, La Vega, and Duarte. Although smaller than it's other north coast neighbors, Salcedo is an important link as an intersection point for the highway system. Capital City: Salcedo, Major Towns: Tenares, Villa Tapia
SANCHEZ RAMIREZ ~ Landlocked between the provinces of La Vega, Duarte, Monte Plata and Monsenor Nouel ~ This beautiful province boasts two very large fresh water lakes, with fresh water fishing as a major attraction. Capital City:Cotui, Major Towns: Cevicos, Fantino, La Cueva, La Mata
SAN CRISTOBAL ~ Directly due west of Santo Domingo, this province runs parallel to Peravia - and stretches from the Bonao area on down to the Caribbean coast. Autopista Duarte or Route 1, connecting Santo Domingo with Santiago, runs through the northern portion of San Cristobal. Capital City: San Cristobal.Major Towns: Cambita Garabito, Sabana Grande de Palenque, Sabana Palenque, Villa Altagracia, Yaguate
SAN JUAN ~ One of the larger provinces, this is true mountain country. San Juan province is home to Pico Duarte, the highest mountain range in the Caribbean. Located in the western portion of the country, just south of Santiago, it is also home to Jose Del Carmen Ramirez National Park. Capital City: San Juan,Major Towns: Bohechio, El Cercado, Juan Herrera, Las Matas de Farfan and Vallejuelo
SAN PEDRO DE MARCORIS ~ This Caribbean coastline province is nestled between the National District and La Romana. Although historically known as an area with a major fishing industry, Baseball legend Sammy Sosa has also made this a well known province. The San Pedro de Marcoris province is also home to the well known Juan Dolio resort area.Capital City: San Pedro de Marcoris,Major Towns: Los LLanos, Quisqueya, Ramon Santana
SANTIAGO ~ This large province directly south of Puerto Plata is home to the Dominican Republic's tobacco and cigar industry. In addition, the province capital Santiago de los Caballeros is often called the Dominican Republic's second city.Capital City: Santiago (de los caballeros),Major Towns: Janico, Navarette, San Jose de Los Matas, Tamboril and Villa Gonzalez
SANTIAGO RODRIGUEZ ~ This province is located directly due west of Santigo and south of Monte Cristi. Capital City:Sabaneta, Major Towns: Almacigos, Moncion
VALVERDE ~ Nestled between Santiago, Puerto Plata, Monte Cristi and Santiago Rodriguez, this tiny province is only slightly larger than Salcedo. Like Salecedo, it connects it's much larger neighbors together. Capital City: Mao,Major Towns: Espernaza, Laguna Salada
Colonial Zone Hotels - Santo Domingo
Abyta Hotel and Residences Offering rooms, studios, comfort suites and apartments in a pleasant family atmosphere. With it's own parking facilities, laundry service and small cafeteria it is a good choice as for tourists as for business travelers. Each room has cable TV, telephone, internet connections, safe box, mini-bar, air-conditioning, 24 hours/day electricity and most rooms have equipped kitchens. Contact: 809-221-2027 Location: Calle Meriño #309, Zona Colonial, Dominican Republic Antiguo Hotel Europa The Carilux Hotel Europa originally operated from 1930-1965 as a traditional hotel, standing out for the exquisite detail and design of its balconies with the characteristic ironwork of the period. The new owners, have invested RD$100 million in the remodeling, but sought to preserve the original architecture, including the lovely floor work, considered to be the heritage of colonial architecture. The new, 52-room hotel blends the wonders of the old with the convenience of the new. They have a bar and restaurant Contact: 809-285-0005 Directions: Arzobispo Meriño 109 and Emiliano Tejera, Colonial Zone, Santo Domingo Aparthotel Condo-ParqueComfortable Apartments & Studios offering 14 Apartments & Studios with AC or a ceiling fan, Cable-TV, bath with shower and hot water. The studios have a kitchenette with refrigerator. From the roof top veranda one can have a great view of the Caribbean Sea and Santo Domingo. Also on location is the bar and restaurant Venus WIFI Hotspot Calle Palo Hincado #165, Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo Owner: Walter Rufenacht on line reservations and information Contact: 809 - 333-6713 Aparta Hotel Roma A new addition to the hotels in Colonial Zone this apart hotel has much to offer and it is only steps away from the Conde. All rooms are come with a refrigerator, hot water, air conditioning and a sitting area. Some of the rooms have a complete kitchen. this hotel offers great rates and also monthly rates for long stays. The staff is friendly and helpful. Contact: 809-682-0318 Location: Duarte #206 and Calle El Conde, Zona Colonial, Republica DominicanaAparta-Hotel Tiempo this budget hotel is located centrally in Colonial Zone. They have different rooms for different guests needs offering a common kitchen for all guests usage. There is a comfortable roof top deck for relaxing. They are very helpful and will do all they can to make your stay with them enjoyable. Contact: 809-689-7173 or 809-688-8184 Directions: Calle Duarte #319 and Juan Isidro Pérez, Colonial Zone Apart Studio Ocean Breeze They have 16 fully-furnished apart studios offering convenience, security, value and a superb location. Prepare your own meals in the fully furnished kitchen, enjoy the balcony and entertain friends. They offer very reasonable daily, weekly and monthly rates. Each room has air conditioning, cable tv and other amenities. WIFI available Contact: 809-685-0193 Location: Palo Hincado Street #202 and Canela Street, Zona Colonial Santo Domingo Camilo House This hotel is great for a short or long stay in Dominican Republic. They have prices for both. They have what they call Junior Apartments that are fully furnished, including a kitchenette, Cable TV, Ceiling fans, daily maid service, with back up power in each apartment (which, if you know the country, this can be a real plus). They also have 24 hour security and DSL/Wi-Fi. English spoken here. Contact: 809-221-1842 Santo Domingo / 718-841-7799 NYC Number Directions: Calle Padre Billini #455, Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic El Beatrio Guest HouseLocated in the center of the Colonial Zone in an old 16th century restored convent. The building is classified as "World Heritage" by UNESCO. The building was used as the foundation of a "Beaterio" by the widow Doña Maria de Arana little before she left for Spain in 1556 It is a small, intimate and charming hotel with a restful and calm atmosphere. Within its stone walls the furniture in the lobby is inviting along with the sound of classical music. They serve breakfast and have a bar. Contact: 809-687-8657 Directions: Calle Duarte #8, Ciudad Colonial, Santo Domingo El Refugio Del Pirata Guest House They offer rooms at a reasonable rate of $35USD a night (as of 2/08). you can rent daily of monthly. All the rooms have air conditioning, cable tv, and a refrigerator. there is also a nice terrace you can enjoy. The owners speak French, Italian and Spanish. Contact: 809-687-1572 cellphone: 809-394-0419 Location: Calle Arzobispo Merino #358, Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo, Republica Dominicana Hodelpa Caribe Colonial This boutique hotels 54 rooms and suites feature Air-Conditioning, Telephone, Cable TV, Iron with Ironing Board, Mini Bar equipped with national alcoholic beverages, Safety Deposit Box, and Private Bathroom. They offer many different size rooms to accommodate your needs. There is a sun deck with a great view of the Colonial Zone. Also on site is a Bar and Restaurant. Directions: Calle Isabel La Catolica #159 Colonial Zone Tel.: 809-688-7799 Hostal Dominico Mundial Looking for a place to stay in Colonial Zone near to all the action and don't want to pay extravagant prices? Try this place out. They have nice comfortable rooms at reasonable prices for long or short term. Each room has a refrigerator, fan or air conditioning, cable tv, hot water with all rooms facing a great Spanish style patio where you can sit and relax. Contact: Telephone: 809-682-6197 Cell Phone: 809-994-1929 Location: Calle Duarte# 6 (in front of Parque Duarte), Colonial Zone, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Hostal Salomé "Stay with us while enjoying a family atmosphere." This is a family owned and operated hotel priced right. Each or the 10 rooms has air conditioning, cable TV, hot water, a telephone and mini bar. It is located just a few blocks from Calle el Conde. They are happy to help the traveler with whatever information they can about the area and some of the staff/ family speak English. Families are always welcome. Contact: 809-221-9200 Location: Calle Salomé Ureña #56, Colonial Zone, Santo Domingo, RD Hotel Aida A very inexpensive place to stay in Colonial Zone in the center of the action on Calle El Conde. It has charm in a comfortable homey sort of way. You can have air conditioning or a fan and there is 24 hour water and lights. If you want a window you have to pay a little extra but the balcony is quite nice Contact: 809-685-7692 Directions: El Conde #464 and Espaillat, Colonial Zone, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Hotel Atarazana This 6 room hotel, in a building that is dated from 1860's. The building is beautifully restored. Each room has Cable TV, a ceiling fan, and a balcony. There is a Jacuzzi in a small garden where they also serve breakfast that is included. The roof top view is spectacular with a panoramic view of Colonial Zone. The hotel is across from Plaza de España and close to all the Zone has to offer. Directions: Vicente Celestino Duarte #19, Colonial Zone, Santo Domingo Dominican Republic Hotel Conde de Peñalba This is a small hotel located across from Colon Park and the Cathedral on Conde Street. It is located in a historic building in the heart of the Colonial Zone. The rooms are small but quaint. Many of the rooms have a balcony overlooking the park with a beautiful view. Everything you want to see in Colonial Zone is within walking distance. There also is a nice little café on the first floor. Great for people watching with a nice cold beer. Contact: 809-688-7121 Directions: Calle El Conde and. Calle Arzobispo Merino Hotel Discovery This is one of the newer hotels in the Colonial Zone. The owner and staff offer reasonably prices rooms that include hot water, air conditioning, refrigerators and more. There is a roof top pool and patio for relaxing with a great view of the surrounding area. There is a restaurant and bar on premises offering live shows. (8/07) Contact: 809-687-4048 Directions: Arz. Nouel and Palo Hincado, Colonial Zone, Santo Domingo Hotel Dona Elvira This hotel is a renovated grand house dating from the 16th century it has old world charm and modern comfort. When you see it from the street it looks like nothing but when the door opens into the lobby you will be amazed what lies inside. The lobby is beautiful and there is also a pool and jacuzzi. There is a garden and kitchen for the guests to use as they wish. This hotel is located on a quiet street in the Colonial Zone. The hotel is owned and run by Marc and his wife Elvira, a Belgian-American couple. Wifi available. Contact: 809-221-7415 http://www.dona-elvira.com/home.htm Directions: Padre Billini #207 Colonial Zone Foreigners Club Hotel (formerly known as Casa New Yorker Hotel) This hotel is a 10-room bed and breakfast hotel offering elegance and comfort in an Art Deco style. Each room is individually decorated and is unique. From the complimentary breakfast to cocktails on the sun deck, Casa New Yorker is the new address for casual elegance in Santo Domingo. The staff is very friendly and helpful, ask them about where to go and what to see and they will be happy to help. This hotel is great for a short term or extended stay. Contact: 809-689-3017 Location: Calle Canela #102 and Calle Estrelleta, Colonial ZoneHotel Freeman This small budget hotel offerers safe and clean rooms for the budget traveler. The rooms are no frills and basic but are quite comfortable. They have a nice common balcony for people watching and relaxing. The staff is very friendly and helpful. They can provide you with transportation to and from the airport at reasonable prices. Contact: 809-780-9321 on line reservations Location: Isabel la Catolica #155, Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo, Republica Dominicana Hotel Independencia A very basic hotel yet comfortable. It is a bit worn and dated but it is clean, the location is wonderful, and the price is right. Located across from a nice park good for sitting and relaxing. It can be a bit hectic if you are looking for a quite oasis. Contact: 809-686-1763 Directions: Calle Arzobispo Nouel, across from el parque, Colonial Zone, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Hotel Monumental One of the newest hotels in the Colonial Zone just opened February 2008. The location is perfect, directly on Calle el Conde in the center of all the action. The rooms are medium priced and very clean. Each of the 25 rooms have a double bed with cable television, air conditioning, hot water and 24 hour electric. The owners and staff are very friendly and welcoming and will make you feel right at home. There is a small balcony off the office where you can watch the people passing by below in the Conde street. Contact: 809-682-4747 Cellphone: 1-809-399-6565 Location: Calle El Conde #355 on the second floor, Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Hotel Villa Colonial This hotel has been open a very short time, but you can see from the photos that it is really beautiful. Another former mansion that was just completely and lovingly restored. The rooms are a bit on the small side, but nicely-done. The prices are $65 per night and include breakfast. Contact: 809-221-1049 email: Directions: Calle Sanchez #157 between Padre Billini & Nouel, Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo, Dominican RepublicHotel Palacio "Caribbean tropical luxury and Spanish Castilian decor". Featuring 40 rooms that have been rebuilt for the first time ( 1990 - 1992 ) and decorated luxuriously , in order to be a hotel with the ability to satisfy the preferences of every visitor. Hotel Palacio offers a privileged location . This hotel, located two blocks from the First Cathedral of the Americas (Cathedral Primada of America), was home to Buena Ventura Beaz. He was president of the Dominican Republic several times during the 19th century. It is close to the monuments , museums , classical or modern art exhibits and concerts and is sure to add interest to your stay in this magical city bathed in tradition that today welcomes visitors with open smiles. *WiFi available Contact: 809-682-4730 Fax: 809-687-5535 E Mail: web site: http://www.hotel-palacio.com on line reservations Directions: Calle Duarte #106 and Salome Ureña, Colonial Zone Hostal La Colonial This new hostel in Colonial Zone has 3 floors and 15 rooms with air, cable TV, hot water, and a small refrigerator. They have a lobby and balcony that overlooks Calle Isabel la Catolica. The hostel is not even a block away from Calle el Conde and Parque Colon and it is very close to some great restaurants and the sights of Colonial Zone. WiFi available. Contact: (809) 221-0084 web site: Directions: Calle Isabel la Catolica #110-A, Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo La Hacienda This small hotel consists of 4 luxury studios and 8 suites. It is situated in the center of Colonial Zone near the best restaurants, clubs and bars of Santo Domingo's night life. There is a terrace with an outstanding panoramic view of Zona Colonial. Contact: 809-333 5605 Directions: Santiago Rodríguez #68 (in front Club San Lázaro) Colonial Zone Mercure Comercial Santo Domingo This charming hotel is located centrally on Calle El Conde in Colonial Zone. With its great loaction everything in the Zone is easily accessable. There are 96 rooms. One of the best things about this hotel, other than the location is the great patio that sits directly on El Conde. Sitting here and watching the people and activities in Colonial Zone can be quite entertaning. They have an on site restaurant.If you bring your children with you and need a little break they have on site baby sitting. Pets are permitted and they have room service also. Their staff is mulit-lingual to better make their guests feel right at home. There is WIFI internet access so you can be on your computer when needed. The on site bar/restaurant El Colonial where one can eat indoors in their airconditioned dining room or sit on their terrace in the open air. Location on Calle El Conde and Hostos, Colonial Zone, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Plaza Toledo - Youth Hostel This small and quaint youth hostel with shared living space is a great place to stay when you want something inexpensive and unique. Run by Betty Marshall, a lady who is very friendly and will give you much information about the country. The colonial building is filled with unique art for sale. Contact: 809-688-7649reservations and more information Location: Isabel la Catolica #163 and Luperon at the Plaza Toledo, Colonial Zone, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Sofitel Frances Santo Domingo This building is an example of 18th century Spanish architecture with a beautiful enclosed patio with a fountain inside. This quaint hotel is a little oasis and just around the corner from the most beautiful monuments on the Colonial Zone. This hotel is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. There are only 19 rooms all with the amenities that you woyld want, air, babysitting, outdoor enclosed parking, WIFI available and much more. The staff is multi-lingual and very helpful. Also on the premisis is a restaurant and bar. El Patio serves French cuisine that can be served either in the courtyard or inside at the restaurant and bar (or room service if you perfer). The bar has music entertainment on most nights. Located on Calle Las Mercedes and Arzobispo Merino, Ciudad Colonial, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Sofitel Nicolas de Ovando Santo Domingo This enchanting hotel was built in 1502 and is listed as a heritage site by UNESCO. Sofitel Nicolas de Ovando is located in the heart of the colonial city of Santo Domingo on the oldest street in the country, Calle las Damas. The central building was the original residence of Nicolas de Ovando, the first governor in the Americas. Now this house blends historical elegance and contemporary style. This 104 room luxury hotel offers baby sitting service, valet parking, WIFI internet access, 24 hour room service, multi-lingual employees, a poo, restaurant and bars. This hotel is truly an oasis in the city with a beautiful view included.
