📖 About Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo is the capital and largest city of the Dominican Republic, home to the oldest permanent European settlement in the Americas. With approximately 3.4 million residents in the metro area, it's the Caribbean's largest city. The UNESCO-listed Colonial Zone (Zona Colonial) preserves 500 years of New World history.

Founded in 1496 by Bartholomew Columbus (Christopher's brother), Santo Domingo claims many American firsts—first cathedral, first university, first hospital, first paved road. The Alcázar de Colón housed Diego Columbus. Santo Domingo represents the beginning of European America—colonial heritage, Caribbean vitality, and Dominican pride.

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💼 Economy & Culture

Santo Domingo dominates the Dominican economy—commerce, services, manufacturing, and government concentrate here. Free trade zones support export industries. Tourism brings visitors to colonial heritage and beaches. The port handles international trade. Services employ most workers. The economy is the Caribbean's largest and fastest-growing, though inequality persists.

Dominican culture is vibrant—merengue and bachata music define national identity. Spanish is universal. Catholicism predominates with strong popular devotions. Baseball is national obsession. Cuisine features la bandera dominicana (rice, beans, meat), sancocho, and tropical fruits. The culture is Caribbean joy—music, dance, and warm hospitality characterizing this dynamic capital.

📜 History

Taíno peoples inhabited Hispaniola. Columbus established the first permanent European settlement (1496). Santo Domingo became Spain's Caribbean capital—conquistadors launched expeditions from here. The colonial golden age produced the remarkable Zona Colonial buildings.

Decline followed as Spain focused elsewhere. French, Haitian, and Spanish control alternated until Dominican independence (1844). US occupations (1916-1924, 1965) marked turbulent history. Trujillo dictatorship (1930-1961) left mixed legacy. Democratic development has brought economic growth. Today Santo Domingo honors its "first city" heritage while driving Dominican prosperity.