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Dominican Republic Capital’s Old Town To Undergo Massive Renovation

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Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic’s bustling capital city, is the oldest city in the Americas. Its old town, officially known as Ciudad Colonial, is set to undergo extensive renovations over the coming months.

Old Town Santo Domingo

Massive Renovation To Spruce Up Dominican Capital’s Old Town

The capital’s old town is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the country. Despite its popularity, many of its centuries-old structures are in a dilapidated state.

Here’s what authorities are doing to improve the condition of this stunning capital.

The Dominican Republic’s Ministry for Tourism recently unveiled a new plan to fix up Santo Domingo’s old town’s crumbling infrastructure.

The costly project is mainly designed to attract more visitors to the city and to improve safety and accessibility. 

Santa domingo from a different perspective

One of the renovation’s main goals is to repair many of the old town’s impressive historical monuments, including the Alcazar de Colon and Puerta de la Misericordia. 

According to David Collado, the Dominican minister for tourism, the renovation is expected to significantly improve the experience of travelers visiting the country’s capital. 

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Santo Domingo streets

Although Santo Domingo is already one of the most popular city destinations in the sun-soaked country, officials want to draw more visitors to discover the beautiful culture and history found within the city. 

City officials, as well as high-ranking ministers, have allocated significant funding for the project, which is set to take several months to complete. Once complete, the Dominican capital will be ready to welcome a growing number of travelers seeking.

Santo Domingo beaches and Hotels

During the course of the extensive makeover, architects and city planners will restore crumbling infrastructure and facades, as well as make the old town more livable.

The plans also include adding more benches and greenery along the old town’s streets.

With arrival numbers exploding, a growing number of travelers are seeking new experiences outside of resort hotspots like Punta Cana and Samaná. Located just several hours from most large cities, Santo Domingo is an excellent day trip destination. 

Historical old Temple in Santo Domingo

When it comes to cultural and historical tourism, Santo Domingo offers some of the best opportunities for discovering the country’s rich heritage. 

Santo Domingo, founded in the 15th century, is the oldest capital in the Americas, and its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home to numerous cathedrals, temples, churches, and other historical structures, Santo Domingo, is a portal into the Dominican Republic’s rich history.

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Perhaps ironically, the capital’s old town is considered by many to be one of the smartest modern cities in the country, thanks to the use of digital technologies found throughout the district.

Travelers can find free audio guides and QR codes across many of the capital’s most important buildings. 

While it lacks the all-inclusive resort offerings of Punta Cana and other coastal heavyweights, Santo Domingo is home to a wide array of luxurious accommodations. Santo Domingo is especially popular for online vacation rentals, with platforms like Airbnb offering an excellent range of quaint abodes. 

aerial view of resort in punta cana

Most importantly, several international firms have announced new projects for the city, including Wyndham, which has plans to build one of the country’s tallest hotels in the capital by 2025.

Hilton, Marriott, and InterContinental are just several firms that have invested in new properties in the area.

Travelers can also find plenty of stunning white-sand beaches near Santo Domingo, such as in Boca Chica, an idyllic town located several kilometers from the capital. Offering respite from Punta Cana’s crowded beaches and packed resorts, the Santo Domingo area is a great alternative for your next Dominican Republic holiday. 

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