Famous Pilgrimage Routes & Religious Sites in Santo Domingo Este, Dominican Republic
1. Basilica de Santa Maria la Menor
The oldest cathedral in the Americas, constructed by the first Spanish settlers. It houses a black Madonna statue brought from Spain.
- Historic Site: One of the few remaining examples of Gothic architecture in the Americas.
- Religious Artifact: Unique in the New World, the Black Madonna statue is a revered religious artifact.
- Tourist Attraction: A popular destination for tourists seeking historical and cultural experiences.
2. Convento de San Francisco
An ancient convent built in the early 16th century, known for its beautiful Baroque architecture.
- Historical Architecture: Rare example of 16th-century Baroque architectural style in the Americas.
- Cultural Landmark: A significant cultural landmark that showcases the colonial history of Santo Domingo Este.
- Art and History Museum: The convent houses a museum filled with artwork and historical artifacts.
3. Iglesia de San Ignacio Alto de las Damas
One of the most beautiful churches in Santo Domingo Este, built by the Jesuit order in the early 16th century.
- Historical Church: Rare example of a 16th-century Jesuit church in the Americas.
- Artistic Value: Features intricate Baroque architecture and stunning frescoes inside.
- Tourist Attraction: A popular destination for tourists seeking architectural and artistic experiences.
4. Monasterio de San Francisco
An ancient monastery built in the early 16th century by the Franciscan order. It houses a museum showcasing Dominican history.
- Historical Monastery: Rare example of an early 16th-century monastery in the Americas.
- Cultural Landmark: A significant cultural landmark that showcases Dominican history and Franciscan influence.
- Museum: The monastery houses a museum filled with historical artifacts, artwork, and religious relics.
5. Iglesia de San José
A stunning church built in the late 17th century featuring an ornate Baroque facade.
- Historical Church: Unique in its combination of Late Baroque and Churrigueresque architectural styles.
- Artistic Value: Features intricate carvings, statues, and frescoes inside.
- Tourist Attraction: A popular destination for tourists seeking architectural and artistic experiences.
6. Iglesia de Santa Catalina de Siena
An ancient church built in the early 17th century by the Dominican nuns. It is known for its stunning Baroque architecture.
- Historical Church: Rare example of an early 17th-century church built by Dominican nuns.
- Artistic Value: Features intricate carvings, statues, and frescoes inside.
- Tourist Attraction: A popular destination for tourists seeking architectural and artistic experiences.
7. Iglesia de Santo Domingo
The mother church of the Order of Preachers in the Americas. It is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture.
- Historical Church: One of the oldest and most significant churches in the Americas.
- Cultural Landmark: A significant cultural landmark that showcases Dominican history and the influence of the Order of Preachers.
- Tourist Attraction: A popular destination for tourists seeking historical, architectural, and cultural experiences.
8. Monasterio de la Limpia Concepcion
An ancient monastery built in the early 17th century by the Dominican nuns. It is known for its beautiful Baroque architecture.
- Historical Monastery: Rare example of an early 17th-century monastery built by Dominican nuns.
- Artistic Value: Features intricate carvings, statues, and frescoes inside.
- Tourist Attraction: A popular destination for tourists seeking architectural and artistic experiences.
9. Iglesia de San Juan Bautista de las Monjas Dominicas
An ancient church built in the early 17th century by the Dominican nuns. It is known for its stunning Baroque architecture.
- Historical Church: Rare example of an early 17th-century church built by Dominican nuns.
- Artistic Value: Features intricate carvings, statues, and frescoes inside.
- Tourist Attraction: A popular destination for tourists seeking architectural and artistic experiences.
10. Iglesia de San Felipe Neri
An ancient church built in the early 17th century. It is known for its beautiful Baroque architecture and stunning frescoes.
- Historical Church: Rare example of an early 17th-century church in the Americas.
- Artistic Value: Features stunning frescoes inside, including the famous 'San Felipe Neri' by Cosme de Medina.
- Tourist Attraction: A popular destination for tourists seeking architectural and artistic experiences.
11. Iglesia de San Lorenzo
An ancient church built in the late 16th century. It is known for its stunning Baroque architecture and intricate carvings.
- Historical Church: One of the oldest churches in Santo Domingo Este, built in the late 16th century.
- Artistic Value: Features intricate carvings and stunning frescoes inside.
- Tourist Attraction: A popular destination for tourists seeking historical, architectural, and artistic experiences.
12. Iglesia de Santo Domingo Otonal
An ancient church built in the early 17th century. It is known for its beautiful Baroque architecture and stunning frescoes.
- Historical Church: Rare example of an early 17th-century church in the Americas.
- Artistic Value: Features stunning frescoes inside, including the famous 'Virgen de la Altagracia' by Cosme de Medina.
- Tourist Attraction: A popular destination for tourists seeking architectural and artistic experiences.
13. Iglesia de San Nicolas de Bari
An ancient church built in the late 16th century. It is known for its stunning Baroque architecture and intricate carvings.
- Historical Church: One of the oldest churches in Santo Domingo Este, built in the late 16th century.
- Artistic Value: Features intricate carvings and stunning frescoes inside.
- Tourist Attraction: A popular destination for tourists seeking historical, architectural, and artistic experiences.
14. Iglesia de San Francisco Javier
An ancient church built in the late 16th century by the Jesuit order. It is known for its beautiful Baroque architecture.
- Historical Church: Rare example of a late 16th-century church built by the Jesuit order.
- Artistic Value: Features intricate carvings and stunning frescoes inside.
- Tourist Attraction: A popular destination for tourists seeking historical, architectural, and artistic experiences.
15. Iglesia de San Pedro Apóstol
An ancient church built in the early 17th century. It is known for its beautiful Baroque architecture and stunning frescoes.
- Historical Church: Rare example of an early 17th-century church in the Americas.
- Artistic Value: Features stunning frescoes inside, including the famous 'San Pedro' by Cosme de Medina.
- Tourist Attraction: A popular destination for tourists seeking architectural and artistic experiences.