Must See Attractions in the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic has so much to offer, it is no wonder more and more people visit there every year. It is rich in history and beauty and there is plenty to see and do. If given the opportunity to visit the Dominican Republic, these are some must see places, to put on your list.

Columbus Memorial Lighthouse

The Most visited monument in the Dominican Republic is the Columbus Memorial Lighthouse or "Faro a Colon." The concrete monument is in the shape of a cross and measures 680 feet long east to west and 195 feet long north to south. The lighthouse has 149 spotlights and when on the reflection of the cross can be see in the sky from miles away. Built in 1992 to celebrate the 400-year anniversary of when Christopher Columbus discovered America, this monument is a chapel as well. In the center of the cross is the tomb of Christopher Columbus, whose bones were relocated from the Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor. Admission for both adult and children in inexpensive, under two American dollars and the hours re Tuesday thru Sunday, 9am to 5:30 pm. The Columbus Memorial Lighthouse is located at Av. Ana, in the Sans Souci district of Santo Domingo, near the airport.

Amber Museum

With its white pillars and Victorian style, the Amber Museum is magnificent. The museum is home to very valuable, unique, semi-precious stone called Amber. This stone is transparent and is actually a tree resin that has hardened over millions of years often encasing insects, fossils, small animals and plants. Also located inside the museum is a gift shop where a vast selection of Amber and other gifts can be purchased. The Amber Museum is open Monday thru Saturday, 9am to 6pm with guided tours available daily. The museum is located at 61 Duarte Street, Puerto Plata.

Colonial City

Looking to take in some history, the Colonial City has plenty of that to offer. Although it is a small city, only 1 square mile, it has plenty of historical value. There are dozens of old buildings, monuments, statues, parks, churches and so much more. Walk down the same streets Christopher Columbus and Fernando Cortez did and see the house Columbus's son Diego lived in, the House of Cord. Among all of its history, the Colonial City also offers hotels, small restaurants and bars. The city is located in Santo Domingo.

Mount Isabel del Torres

Mount Isabel del Torres is 2,600 feet above sea level and is a beautiful site. To take in the true beauty of the scenery, a cable car ride is available to take you up the mountain. The seven-minute ride ends at the summit, where there is a statue of Christ, restaurant, breath taking views and a botanical garden. The garden is 35 acres of beautiful plants native to the area. Tours are available and can be done either by hiking or by horseback. Cable car rides are available on Tuesday and Thursday thru Sunday from 8am to 5pm. Admission for adults cost around $6.25 and $2.00 for children less than twelve years of age. Mount Isabel de Torres in located in Puerto Plata.

Ruins and Hospital San Nicolas de Bari

Built between 1503 and 1508, the Hospital San Nicolas de Bari was the first hospital built in the Americas. Governor Fray Nicolas de Ovando ordered the hospital to be constructed after seeing a black woman tending to the sick and injured from a small hut. Additional building where built in 1519, including a church and more, modern element and building went up in 1556. In 1586, Pirate Francis Drake stole many of the treasures from the church and destroyed the medical center. Although it was still in use, the hospital continued to crumble with every earthquake and hurricane. During the mid 18^th-century the hospital was abandoned and as of the 19^th-century it lay in ruins. The Ruins and Hospital San Nicolas de Bari is located in the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo and can be visited any day of the week.