Alcázar de Colón
One of the most popular attractions in Santo Domingo, Alcázar de Colón is the palace built for Christopher Columbus' son Diego, a former Governor of the Indies, and his wife, the niece of King Ferdinand of Spain. Built in 1510, the palace was constructed using very rudimentary tools and, impressively, no nails. Among the structures interesting architectural details are 101-centimeter-thick coral limestone walls and 72 doors and windows that pivot open and shut with the help of huge mahogany cross-bars embedded in the walls.
Serving as both the center of the Spanish court and the only known home of the Columbus family, the Alcázar, or fortress, underwent reconstruction in the 1950s. Today, 22 of its original 55 rooms are open to the public. Guests can wander the sprawling hallways and explore the rooms and open-air loggias, all decorated with antique paintings, period tapestries and Columbus family artifacts.
The Alcázar de Colón is open Monday through Sunday from 9 AM to 5 PM. Admission is RD$20 per person. For more information: 809-686-8657
