Alcázar de Colón

Santo Domingo 10212, Dominican Republic

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.

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A New World

I’m going to be completely honest with everyone and confess that my current adventures were almost by mistake. I’m not going to make myself look posh because this trip isn’t like other trips you’ve read about on this website. This trip started with me in a complete crisis. A few months ago I lost control. I was getting very sloppy at work, eating everything in sight, and I didn’t want to interact with anyone. I didn’t exactly know what was making me so unhappy. Could it be office boredom? Or was it that I tired of being single in NYC? Maybe I was disillusioned with a few plans that didn’t turn out? I was disengaged and needed a breath of fresh air. I couldn’t let my situation go on much longer because being sad doesn’t go with my personality at all. I quit my job, gave away my apartment, and bought a ticket to see the one person that could make me feel better; my Mom. Yup! This journey started with me running away from the city to clear my head and hang out with my best friend. I left Santo Domingo when I was 6 years old. I never lost my “Dominican-ness” because all the while in NYC I spoke Spanish at home and my parents made sure visited the island from time to time, but the fact was that I had never lived there as an adult. It was something that had to happen in order for me to appreciate my country on another level. And just like that my Mom came through with the plan that has changed my life. Our first stop, the Colonial section! Photography by Ruddy Harootian

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.

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